Guest guest Posted May 20, 2002 Report Share Posted May 20, 2002 >THE WOODEN BOWL: > >A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law and 4 year old >grandson. The old man's hands >trembled, his eyesight blurred, and his step faltered. >The family ate together at the table, but the elderly >grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating >difficult. Peas rolled off the spoon onto the floor. >When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the >tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became >irritated with the mess. " We must do something with >Grandpa, " said the son. " I have had enough of spilled >milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor. " So the >husband and the wife set a small table in the corner. >There Grandpa ate alone while the rest of the family >enjoyed their dinner. > >Since Grandpa had broken a dish or two, his food was >served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in >Grandpa's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye >as he sat alone. Still the only words the couple had >for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped his >fork or spilled food. The 4 year old watched it all in >silence. > >One evening before supper, the father noticed his son >playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the >child sweetly, " What are you making? " Just as sweetly >the boy responded, " Oh, I am making a little wooden bowl >for you and Mom to eat your food when I grow up. " The 4 >year old smiled and went on with his work. > >The words so struck the parents that they were >speechless. Then tears started to stream down their >cheeks. Though no words were spoken, both knew what must >be done. That evening the husband took the >Grandfather's hand and gently led him to the family >table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal >with the family. > >For some reason, neither the husband nor wife seemed to >care any longer when a fork dropped, milk spilled, or >the tablecloth soiled. > >On a positive note, I have learned that, no matter what >happens, how bad it seems today, life goes on, and it >will be better tomorrow. > >I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by >the way he/she handles 3 things:- a rainy day, lost >luggage, and tangled Christmas lights. > >I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with >your parents, you will miss them when they are gone from >your life. > >I've learned that making a " living " is not the same as >making a life. > >I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second >chance. > >I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a >catcher’Äôs mitt on both hands. You need to be able to >throw something back. > >I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude >you. But, if you focus on your family, your friends, and >the needs of others, your work and doing the very best >you can, happiness will find you. > >I've learned that whenever I decide something with an >open heart, I usually make the right decision. > >I've learned that everyday; you should reach out and >touch someone. People love that human touch-holding >hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. > >I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. > >I've learned that you should pass this on to everyone >that you care about. I just did. Sometimes they just >need a little something to make them smile. > >People will forget what you said >People will forget what you did >But people never will forget how you made them feel. Author Unknown Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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