WORTH READING 6 Sep 2005

The Wooden Bowl

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and a
four-year
old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred,
and
his step faltered. The family ate together nightly at the dinner table.
But
the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating
rather
difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the

glass often 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 at the

dinner table. Since grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was
served in a wooden bowl. Sometimes when the family glanced in
grandfather's
direction, he had a tear in his eye as he ate 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 from 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 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. Children are
remarkably
perceptive. Their eyes ever observe, their ears ever 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 every day
that
building blocks are being laid for the child's future.

Let us all be wise builders and role models. Take care of yourself, ...
and
those you love, ... today, and everyday!

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