My mother used to ask me what is the most important part of the body. Through the years I kept trying to give the correct answer.

    When I was younger, I thought1was very important to us as humans, so I said, “My ears, Mommy.”

    She said, “No. Many people are deaf. Keep thinking about it and I will ask you again.” Several years2she asked me again. This time I told her, “Mommy, sight is very important to 3so it must be our4.”

    She5 me and told me, “You are learning fast,6 the answer is not correct because there are many people who are blind.”

    Over the next few years, she asked me a few more times and always her answer was, “7but you are getting smarter every year, my child.”

    Then last year, my grandpa 8. Everybody was hurt, and everybody was crying. My mom asked me, “Do you know the most important body part yet, my dear?”

    I was greatly 9 when she asked me this now. I always thought this was a 10between her and me. She saw the confusion(困惑) on my face and told me, “This11 is very important. It shows that you have12lived your life.” I saw her eyes filled up with tears. She said, “My dear, the most important body part is your shoulder.”

    I asked, “Is it because it 13your head?”

    She replied, “No, it is because it can hold the head of a friend or loved one when they 14. Everybody needs a shoulder to cry on sometimes in life, my clear. I only hope that you will have a shoulder to cry on when you need it.”

    Then and there, I knew the most important body part is not a 15one. It is sympathetic (同情的) to the pain of others.