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, 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 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 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
or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be
better tomorrow.
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.
