Food for Thought

Larry_8

I have had the great privlige to learn from the many talented and knowledgeable people here. I also have seen that the Wall is home to people who have become friends and very much like family sharing both good and not so good times. My sister sent me the following and my hope is that you will find it thought provoking. I know I did. Thanks Dan for letting me share.

Best regards,

Larry

I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now.

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 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 or 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 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. On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. 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. I've learned that you should pass this onto everyone you care about.
I just did.

Don Walsh

Thank You!

Thanks Larry, it is nice to have a nudge back to reality every so often. You are right, I will not forget the "wooden bowl" any time soon. How could anyone eat dinner, with out thinking about it?

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PJO_5

Excellent Story

This is why The Wall is so wonderful...hydronics and otherwise.

Take Care, PJO

Rudy

What a great Story!!

Thanks for sharing that with us Larry. I will forward that to my seven siblings. We will be celebrating my fathers 80th next month and though he's still sharp as a tack he get's frustrated with some of his physical limitations. Over the last ten years, as more and more friends pass on and he contemplates his own mortality, he get's somewhat depressed and it's our responsibility as loving, caring children to encourage continued physical and intellectual stimulation so he remains vital as the patriarch of a growing (three new grandkids and the first great granchild all in late '03) of a tight knit family.

Without family we are shells of ourselves.

Dave Yates (PAH)

A Scoutmaster's Minute

Every week I get to have the floor for one minute to impart my thoughts.

This will be on my list! Thanks.

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jeff_25

remeber apples don't fall from the tree

Jimmy Gillies

Great story.

What a great story Larry.
As we always say here in Scotland ''Be good to your kids, they pick the home you go into''! ! !.
Regards.
Jimmy.

Keith_5

perspective

Thanks for sharing. That story puts some things back in the proper order. As hectic as life gets I try and remember to stay in touch with the elders that formed the foundation of my life. Hopefully as the days pass on we all get a little older and wiser and these stories touch our hearts with what really matters in life. Keith

GaryDidier

I must admit

That story brought a tear to my eyes.Thanx for sharing it.Gary from Granville

Mad Dog

AND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The cats in the cradel and the silver spoon...............Mad Dog

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