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, 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 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 four things:
a rainy day,
the elderly,
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 sometimes.
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 or even an email.
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.
FRIENDSHIP CANDLE
NOTICE AT THE END,
THE DATE THE CANDLE WAS STARTED.
GONNA GIVE YOU GOOSE BUMPS.
I am not going to be the one who lets it die.
I
found it believable -- angels have walked beside me all my life -- and
they still do
*********************
This is to all of you who
mean something to me,
I pray for your happiness.
The Candle Of Love, Hope & Friendship
This candle was lit on the
15th of September, 1998
Someone who thinks of you has helped
keep it alive by sending it to you.
Don't let The Candle of Love, Hope and Friendship die
Pass It On To All Of Your Friends
and Everyone You Care for!
May God richly bless you!
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