Posted by trip (205.188.196.31) on June 09, 2001 at 09:01:58:
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law and 4 year
>old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight 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 the spoon
>on 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 with Grandpa," said the son. I have had enough of spilled milk,
>noisy eating, and food on the floor. So the husband and wife set a small
>table in the corner. There Grandpa ate alone while the rest of the family
>enjoyed their dinner.
>
>Since Grandpa had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden
>bowl. When the family glanced in Grandpa'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 his fork or
>spilled food. The 4 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
>wooden bowl for you and Mom to eat your food when I grow up." The 4 year
>old smiled and went on with his work.
>
>The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears
>started to stream down their cheeks. Though no words were spoken, both
>knew what must be done. That evening the husband took the Grandfather's
>hand
>and gently led him to the family table. For the remainder of his days he
>ate
>every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither the husband or
>wife seemed to care any longer when a fork dropped, milk spilled, or the
>tablecloth soiled.
>
>On a positive note, I have learned that, no matter what happens how bad it
>seems today, life goes 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 3 things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas lights.
>
>I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents, you
>will miss them when they are gone from your life.
>
>I've learned that making a "living" is not the same 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 catchers 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, and the needs of others, your work and
>doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.
>
>I've learned that whatever 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 everyday, 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.
> >>