The Wooden Bowl

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The Wooden Bowl

Unknown AuthorA 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 their dinners together.

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 in when you get old. " 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.

-- With Love,Ganesh BabaMy Group: spiritual_inspiration- (Send a blank email)