The Wooden Bowl

The Wooden Bowl

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, his steps 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 onto 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 the 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 eyes 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 when I grow up.” The four year old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream clown their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be clone. That evening the husband took Grandfather’s hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his clays 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 spoiled.

On a positive note. I’ve learned that no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life goes on, and it will be better tomorrow. I’ve learned 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 light. 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 leaned 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 he 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 need of others, your work and doing the 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 hand, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the shoulder.

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 will never forget how you made them feel.

 

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