[Kelly]

ANOTHER STORY THAT TOUCHED ME...I DON'T KNOW WHO THE AUTHOR IS, BUT IT'S AN INCREDIBLE STORY.


The Wooden Bowl

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year 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 soiled.


Children are remarkably perceptive. Their eyes
ever observe, their ears ever listen, and their
minds ever process the messages they absorb. If
they see us patiently provide a happy home atmosphere for family members, they will imitate
that attitude for the rest of their lives. The wise
parent realizes that every day the building blocks
are being laid for the child's future. Let's be wise builders and role models. I've learned that, no
matter what happens how bad it seems today, life
does go on, and something good will come
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.

[Not4saken]

That is the most AWESOME story. It really touched my heart. You often realize too late how important people are in your life, and we often underappreciate those people. Awesome story God bless
in His grip
Ally