A woman walked into the downtown Detroit welfare office, trailed by 15 kids . . .
“WOW, †the social worker exclaimed, “are they ALL YOURS???â€
“Yep they's all mine, †the flustered mamma sighed, having heard that question a thousand times before.
She said, “Sit down Leroy.â€
All the children rush to find seats.
“Well, †said the social worker, “you must be here to sign up. I’ll need the names of all of your children.â€
“This one’s my oldest – his name is Leroy†the woman said, “and this one is Leroy also.â€
The social worker raised an eyebrow but continued.
One by one, through the oldest four, all boys, all named Leroy. Then she is introduced to the eldest girl, named Leighroy!
“All right, †said the caseworker. “I’m seeing a pattern here. Are they ALL named Leroy?â€
Their Mamma replied, “Well, yes – it makes it easier. When it is time to get them out of bed and ready for school, I yell, ‘Leroy!’ And when it’s time for dinner, I just yell ‘Leroy!’ and they all comes a running. An’ if I need to stop the kid who’s running into the street, I just yell ‘Leroy’ and all of them stop. It’s the smartest idea I ever had, namin’ them all Leroy.â€
The social worker thought this over for a bit, then wrinkled her forehead and said tentatively, “But what if you just want ONE kid to come and not the whole bunch?â€
“Then I calls 'em by dey last names.â€