THE WOODEN BOWL:

[Guest guest]

>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