Anonymous, 22.09.03
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, sometime 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 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, 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
people will forget what you said ... people will forget what you
did...but people will never forget how you made them feel.