The Wooden Bowl ~ A touching story on Family, Love, Parents & Relationships
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 the bowl
for you and mama to eat.” 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!, especially your parents, as they are the most precious gifts …
