The Wooden Bowl

[chilli]

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!

[dbuzz]

nakatanggap ako sa email nito ah last year.

[chilli]

myeah just reminds me what my papa told me before. lead by example. definitely, the youngster will follow whatever you show them..

[b1rken5tock]

what goes around come around, or is it the other way around...

[HardCharger]

I like this story.

Heard or read it many times over and it's meaning is very powerful.

It also reminds me of a bumper sticker I saw before:

"Be nice to your children for they will be the ones to choose your nursing home"

[Jun aka Pekto]

Moral lesson aside, I've never really seen a family isolate one of their own from the dinner table just because that member made a mess. If anything, someone will always lend a helping hand.....the lack of which seemed strange with this family.

[chilli]

hmm sir mods, I guess this one should be in the Family, Love and Relationship section.

[LexTer]

hmm sir mods, I guess this one should be in the Family, Love and Relationship section.

dapat nga. done!

[uls]

Moral lesson: People who have aging parents who are unable to take care of themselves should hire a caregiver or private nurse for their aging parents.

[SELEGNA_35]

Moral of the story, What you sow is what you will reap.