Re: The Wooden Bowl

From: marianne bolding (ojowojo@yahoo.com)
Thu Jul 19 13:05:34 2001


Helen, your poems speak with a thousand words...thank you ....Marianne --- Helen Dynda <olddad66@runestone.net> wrote: > 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, 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 ad 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 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 the building blocks are being laid
> for the child's future.
>
> Let's be wise builders and role models. Lord, we
> ask not that you move the mountains; but that You
> give us the strength to climb. "Life is about
> people connecting with people, and making a positive
> difference." Take care of yourself ... and those
> you love ... today, and everyday!
>
> 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 alot 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 pain, 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.
>
> I've learned that you should pass this on to
> everyone you care about. I just did. 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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