When we are dying, we sometimes will reveal things before we die that we may have kept to ourselves our entire life. This is often of interest to others, because it can tell them the truth about many things.

That was what was happening in the following joke. An old man is dying and he is talking about some of his little-known issues in life, some of which are regrets.

He wants everybody to understand the lessons he learned during life so that they don’t make the same mistakes. In the end, I think he gave everybody more than what they bargained for.

Nearing the end, old Ed is surrounded by his loved ones.

As the final moment approaches, he gathers all his strength and whispers, “I must tell you my greatest secret.”

His family members are all ears, urging him to go on.

“When I was young, I had it all,” explains Ed. “Fast cars, cute girls, and plenty of money. But a good friend warned me, ‘Get married and start a family. Otherwise, nobody will be there to give you a glass of water to drink when you’re on your deathbed.’

So I took his advice. I traded the girls for a wife and beer for baby food. I sold my Ferrari and invested in college funds.

And now here we are. And you know what?”

“What?” whispered the fascinated members of his family.

“I’m not even thirsty!”