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, his steps
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 onto 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 the 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 eyes 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 clown their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be
clone. That evening the husband took Grandfather’s hand and gently led him back
to the family table. For the remainder of his clays 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 spoiled.
On a positive note. I’ve learned that no matter what happens, how bad it seems
today, life goes on, and it will be better tomorrow. I’ve learned 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 light. 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 leaned 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 he 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 need of
others, your work and doing the 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 hand, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the
shoulder.
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.
Bliss???
Some people believe it is impossible for couples to always be in a state of
bliss. Others state they have been blissfully married for 10, 20, 30 or more
years. What's their secret?
Click here to find out.
