Wooden Bawl
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!
