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Title: The Wooden Bowl...... Post by TerryS on Sep 18th, 2002, 1:34pm The Wooden Bowl I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now. A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was 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 his 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 about Grandfather," said the son. I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor. So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometime 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 a fork or spilled food. The four-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 bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went back to work. The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled. On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens how bad it seems today, life does go 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 three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights. I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life. I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing 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's 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, 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 even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've learned that every day, 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 you care about. I just did. |
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Title: Re: The Wooden Bowl...... Post by echo on Sep 18th, 2002, 1:39pm Great message for all. Amazing the way seemingly unintelligent children can bring the harsh reality of adult actions to the surface. Thanks for sharing. |
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Title: Re: The Wooden Bowl...... Post by ChristineL on Sep 18th, 2002, 1:40pm That sure brightened my day - thanks! Chris L |
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Title: Re: The Wooden Bowl...... Post by firebrix on Sep 18th, 2002, 2:20pm That was a cool story. Thanx for sharing. I wondered what my dog was doing with all that wood he chews into weird shapes; now I know! Off to town to buy him a gold plated bowl, and a new chair for the table!! Hoping you're all PF and happy firebrix |
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Title: Re: The Wooden Bowl...... Post by Drk^Angel on Sep 18th, 2002, 2:35pm What's wrong with eatin' from a wooden bowl? I'll be lucky if my kids will bother to even feed me when I'm old. PFDAN............................. Drk^Angel |
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Title: Re: The Wooden Bowl...... Post by Charlie on Sep 18th, 2002, 4:49pm Nice story Terry. Glad to see you again. Reimids me of the times dad used tell me that I was such a slob that I should be fed sitting in a wash tub when I ate with no clothes so I could be hosed off. :o Dad was a quiet, warm and tender guy. Such wonderful memories.......... ::) Sob.....Charlie |
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Title: Re: The Wooden Bowl...... Post by NancyMcFree on Sep 18th, 2002, 8:23pm That was beautiful. Thanks for sharing !!!!! |
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