(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, 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 so 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
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 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.