A Gift for Every Servant

*A retelling for children, based on **Mahmúd's Diary** (entry of 16 October 1912).*

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In October 1912 'Abdu'l-Bahá stayed for a few days at the home of Mrs Phoebe Hearst, near the town of Pleasanton in California. It was a very large house, and some of Mrs Hearst's relatives were staying there as guests.

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When it was time to leave, 'Abdu'l-Bahá said goodbye to the guests. Then He called for all the people who worked in the house. The maids, the cooks, the butler and the other helpers came and stood in a line in front of Him.

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'Abdu'l-Bahá told them to be truthful and honest and to do their work with care. He thanked them for their service. Then He said:

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> As I am like a father to you, I wish to leave a memento with you.

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A memento is something to remember a person by. He gave each one of them a gift of money.

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The guests stood by and watched. Mírzá Maḥmúd, who wrote down what happened, says they were astonished at how generous He was.

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*This is a retelling for children. For the fuller account, see ["Honoring the Servants"](/stories/md-honoring-the-servants).*

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