A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law
and a four-year old grandson. The old man’s hands trembled, his eyesight was
blurred, and his step faltered.
The family ate together every night at the dinner table. But
the elderly grandfather’s shaky hands and failing sight made eating rather
difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass
often 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 at the dinner table. Since grandfather had broken a dish
or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. Sometimes when the family glanced
in grandfather’s direction, he had a tear in his eye as he ate 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 the bowl for
you and mama to eat.” 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.
Children are remarkably perceptive. Their eyes ever observe,
their ears ever listen, and their minds ever process the messages they absorb.
If they see us patiently provide a happy home atmosphere for family members,
they will imitate that attitude for the rest of their lives. The wise parent
realizes that every day those building blocks are being laid for the child’s
future. Let us all be wise builders and role models. Take care of yourself, and
those you love, today, and every day!
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