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
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. 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 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 was 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
three things: a rainy day, 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.
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.
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. Sometimes they just need a little something to make them smile.
People will forget what you said . . . people will forget what you did... but
people will never forget how you made them feel.
Author unknown.
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