A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year old grandson. The oldman’s hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together atthe table. But the elderly grandfather’s shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peasrolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped, the glass, milk spilled on the table cloth.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 thefloor.”
So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone whilethe rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food wasserved in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather’s direction, sometimes he had atear 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. Heasked the child sweetly, “What are you making?” Just as sweetly, the boy responded, “Oh, I ammaking a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up.” The four-year-oldsmiled and went back to work. The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Thentears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must bedone.
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 careany longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the table cloth spoiled. Children are remarkably perceptive. Their eyes ever observe, their ears ever listen, and their mindsever process the messages they absorb. If they see us patiently provide a happy home atmospherefor family members, they will imitate that attitude for the rest of their lives. The wise parentrealizes that every day the building blocks are being laid for the child’s future. Let’s be wise buildersand role models.
“Life is about people connecting with people, and making a positive difference.Take care of yourself, ... and those you love, ... today, ... and everyday!”
So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone whilethe rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food wasserved in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather’s direction, sometimes he had atear 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. Heasked the child sweetly, “What are you making?” Just as sweetly, the boy responded, “Oh, I ammaking a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up.” The four-year-oldsmiled and went back to work. The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Thentears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must bedone.
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 careany longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the table cloth spoiled. Children are remarkably perceptive. Their eyes ever observe, their ears ever listen, and their mindsever process the messages they absorb. If they see us patiently provide a happy home atmospherefor family members, they will imitate that attitude for the rest of their lives. The wise parentrealizes that every day the building blocks are being laid for the child’s future. Let’s be wise buildersand role models.
“Life is about people connecting with people, and making a positive difference.Take care of yourself, ... and those you love, ... today, ... and everyday!”