Wooden Bowl/Inspirational

[Guest guest]

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 or 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 catchers

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.

People will forget what you said .. people will forget what you did. But

people never will forget how you made them feel. And sometimes they just

need a little something to make them smile.