The Wooden Bowl

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 mans hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered

The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfathers 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.
Ive 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 Grandfathers 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 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 Grandfathers 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, Ive learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

Ive learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things:
A rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

Ive learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life..

Ive learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

Ive learned that you shouldnt go through life with a catchers mitt on both hands.You nee d to be able to throw something back sometimes.

Ive 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

Ive learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

Ive learned that even when I have pains, I dont have to be one.

Ive 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.

Ive learned that I still have a lot to learn.

Ive learned that you should pass this on to everyone you care about .I just did.

FRIENDSHIP CANDLE

NOTICE AT THE END,
THE DATE THE CANDLE WAS STARTED.
GONNA GIVE YOU GOOSE BUMPS.

I am not going to be the one who lets it die. I found it believable
Angels have walked beside me all my lifeand they still do

*********************

This is to all of you who
Mean something to me,
I pray for your happiness.
The Candle Of Love, Hope & Friendship

This candle was lit on the
15th of September, 1998

Someone who loves you has helped
Keep it alive by sending it to you.

Dont let The Candle of Love, Hope and Friendship die

Pass It On To All Of Your Friends
And Everyone You Love!
May God richly bless you!