"The Wooden Bowl"
"The Wooden Bowl"
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 father," 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, sometime 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, 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, 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/she handles three things: a
rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
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 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 ! I've learned that you should pass this on to everyone
you care about....
I just did....
__________________
I used to think that as I was getting older I was developing patience and tolerance. Now I realize
that I just don't give a crap.
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