The Wooden Bowl

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

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 was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But,,, the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing eyesight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and his wife became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about Grandfather," said his 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 of the kitchen. 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, 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 a fork or spilled food. The 4 year old watched all this in silence.

One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked his son sweetly, "What are you making?"

Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I'm making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food when I grow up." The 4 year old smiled and went back to 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 Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk was spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

Children are remarkably perceptive. Their eyes observe, their ears listen, and their minds ever process the messages they absorb. If they see us patiently provide a happy home atmosphere for family members, they will imitate that attitude for the rest of their lives. The wise parent realizes that everyday the building blocks are being laid for the child's future. Let's be wise builders and role models.

Lord, we ask not that you move the mountain, but that you give us the strength to climb. Life is about connecting with people, and making a positive difference. Take care of yourself and those you love, ... today, and everyday!

On a positive note,

I've learned that no matter what happens or 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 handles 3 things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas lights.

I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll 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 sometimes life 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 you 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 even when I have pains, I don't need 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.

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

Saturday Morning Ping

[MoralSense]

Thanks. Good one.

[Miss Marple]

Thanks!

[homeschool mama]

thank you for posting this :o)

ping

[Fintan]

Works for me.

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

You are not supposed to wear the bowl on your head.

[joyce11111]

thanks, I needed that...feel better now.

[Fintan]

You are not supposed to wear the bowl on your head.

Then would you mind telling me how I'm supposed to remember where it is????

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

I am not touching that one with a ten foot pole.

[Congressman Billybob]

Thank you for posting this just before Mother's Day.

My parents have been gone for many years now. But on days like this, I miss them something fierce. They tried hard, did their best, and sought, with varying success, to pass on their principles to their children.

This illustrates the Commandment,"Honor thy Father and Mother." Most of us reach the end of the road in old age, with our faculties failing. Then, more than other times, we need love and respect -- not for what little remains of our lives, then, but for what has been our lives from the beginning. Especially from our children.

I almost didn't click on this thread because I thought it would be one of those smarmy stories. It is much, much more than that. It cut me to the quick, and for good cause.

Happy Mother's Day to you, whether you are a mother, or whether you merely remember your own mother. And may God bless you for sharing this story on FreeRepublic.

Congressman Billybob

Click here to fight Campaign Finance "Reform" - CFR

Click here for latest: "President John Edwards -- Think About It."

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

Thank you, I really mean it. Every now and then we need a little kick in the behind to wake up and remember that we have such great gifts, and one of those gifts is family.

[gunshy]

This illustrates the Commandment,"Honor thy Father and Mother."

I wonder why the ACLU has not sued the government over the designation of Mothers Day and Fathers Day. These days of honor are abviously religious in that they reflect the Ten Commandments.

[McLynnan]

Thank you, HLL. My father has been gone for three years, and I would gladly mop the floor on my hands and knees if I could have the pleasure of eating another meal with him. Old age is a natural part of the human condition, to be treated with respect and honor.

[IronJack]

Thanks for the inspiration.

[moyden]

Fortunately, the grandfather lived in Oregon, so the parents had him euthanized.

Every liberal is a thug.

[Pippin]

thanks for posting this, it was beautiful.

[BigWaveBetty]

Thanks for posting the lovely story. It reminded me so close to Mom's Day what my daughter had told me she said to her husband when they first got married.

She informed him that no matter what as their lives progressed, when they were able to build a house it would have a special apt. for me. Her intention is to take care of me in my old age and refuses to put me in a nursing home. The greatest thank you a mom can get from a child.

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

So when I told my mother that when she gets old that I would find her a very nice ice flow I should have said apartment?