Monday, June 18, 2007

The Wooden Bowl

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, 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 father," 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, sometime 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 I grow up."

The four-year-old smiled and went back to work. The words so struck the parents so 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.

13 comments:

Big Pissy said...

well said!

Constance said...

Good Monday morning to you, Nomas ! That sounds like a Japanese fable/story with the emphasis on family. Good one.
We all need to remember where we could be one day.

me said...

very nice.
how horrible of the parents...i'm glad they saw the light. :)

none said...

Elderly abuse is a recent epidemic. I'm shocked at the way children treat their parents. I guess they will get their reward from the example they set.

George Townboy said...

Cute story. Glad you're back.

Deech said...

The words of God are best spoken by his most fearless representatives; children! Good post Nomas! Thanks for the gentle reminder to listen to my kids more often!

Flyinfox_SATX

Anonymous said...

Great story...

The old man's son should feel like shit.

Anonymous said...

Awwwww...this is a lovely story. I'm glad it had a good lesson at the end. We will all grow old if we are lucky and need to treat our elders with kindness.

Anonymous said...

Good Story! I agree with Hammer. It is sad how some elderly are treated.
As loving annie said, We should all remember how we would want to be treated and treat others the same!
Good to see you back NoMas.
Cookie

Dick said...

I thought you were dead.

Cinnamon Girl said...

Psst! NoMas! Come See Me Cause You Rock!

Dick said...

While it was just a cutesy tale, it wasn't too damn far from the truth with some dirtbags.

No Mas said...

May we all be charitable and understanding of the frailties of others.