Wooden Bowl <P>A frail old man went to live with his son, <BR>daughter-in-law,and four-year grandson. The old <BR>man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, <BR>and his step faltered. The family ate together <BR>at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky <BR>hands and failing sight made eating difficult. <BR>Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When <BR>he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the <BR>tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became <BR>irritated with the mess. We must do something <BR>about Grandfather," said the son. I've had enough <BR>of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on <BR>the floor. So the husband and wife set a small <BR>table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate <BR>alone while the rest of the family enjoyed <BR>dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or <BR>two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When <BR>the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, <BR>sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat <BR>alone. Still, the only words the couple had for <BR>him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork <BR>or spilled food. <P>The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One <BR>evening before supper, the father noticed his son <BR>playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked <BR>the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just <BR>as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a <BR>little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food <BR>when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and <BR>went back to work. <P>The words so struck the parents that they were <BR>speechless. Then tears started to stream down <BR>their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both <BR>knew what must be done. That evening the husband <BR>took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back <BR>to the family table. For the remainder of his <BR>days he ate every meal with the family. And for <BR>some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to <BR>care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk <BR>spilled, or the tablecloth soiled. <P>Children are remarkably perceptive. Their eyes <BR>ever observe, their ears ever listen, and their <BR> minds ever process the messages they absorb. If <BR>they see us patiently provide a happy home <BR>atmosphere for family members, they will imitate <BR>that attitude for the rest of their lives. The <BR>wise parent realizes that every day the building <BR>blocks are being laid for the child's future. <BR>Let's be wise builders and role models. Lord, we <BR> ask not that you move the mountains, but that You <BR>give us the strength to climb. "Life is about <BR>people connecting with people, and making a <BR>positive difference" Take care of yourself, ... <BR>and those you love, ... today, and everyday! <P>On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter <BR>what happens how bad it seems today, life does go <BR>on, and it will be better tomorrow. <P>I've learned that, regardless of your <BR>relationship with your parents, you'll miss them <BR>when they're gone from your life. <P>I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it <BR>will elude you. But, if you focus on your family, <BR>your friends, the needs of others, your work and <BR>doing the very best you can, happiness will find <BR>you. <P>I've learned that every day, you should reach out <BR>and touch someone. People love that human touch - <BR>holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat <BR>on the back.
