inspirational motivational stories- The Wooden Bowl

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 theson. I've had enough of his
spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor. So the husband and
wifeset a small table in the corner. There, grandfather ate alonewhile
the rest of the family enjoyed dinnerat 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 hedropped 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."
Thefour-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 eyesever observe, their ears
ever listen, and their minds ever process the messagesthey absorb. If
they see us patiently provide a happy home atmosphere forfamily
members, theywill 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, andeveryday!