The Leahy family of Wind River, Nebraska had managed to preserve traditions that had died long before generations of their ancestors had even been born. However, one son Patrick-an anarchist certainly-defied the fate his family had prescribed for him. He chose a university not on the list of those certified by his predecessors. His family members mumbled and grumbled in confusion and amazement. As if this bit of caprice were not enough, Patrick took an even bolder step after graduation. He moved to Thailand, precisely half way around the world, allegedly to teach English as a second language to Thai and Chinese students. He could not be further from his place of origin. A Mother's Gift is the story of his humorous adventure of a lifetime. This was a journey, which put him squarely in the crosshairs of surprise and incredulity. Such was the unusual nature of this new culture that he quickly appreciated what his peers told him: "everything you have ever learned was wrong." As Patrick began to gain some footing, he could not begin to anticipate that the greatest astonishment of all was yet to come.