The Wooden Bowl

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 a little bowl for you
and mama to eat your food from 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 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!