The Old Man In The Famliy

The 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 kitchen table every night. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating very difficult. Peas and corn rolled off his spoon onto the floor and when he tried to grasp a glass of milk, his milk spilled on the tablecloth or the floor.

The son and daughter-in-law soon became very irritated this with mealtime mess. "What are we going to do with father, the son asked? I've had enough noisy eating, spilled milk and food all over the floor." Finally the husband and wife set up a small table in the far corner of the kitchen.

At mealtime, while the rest of the family enjoyed their dinner together, the grandfather ate alone in the corner. Since the grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. Often when the family members glanced in the grandfather's direction, they detected a tear in his eye as he sat eating his meal alone. Still, the only words the couple ever had for him were sharp admonitions whenever he dropped his fork or spilled his milk.

One evening before dinner, the father noticed sawdust and several wooden scraps on the floor. He sweetly asked his four year old what he had been doing. The boy looked up from the block of wood he had been working on and replied, just as sweetly: "Oh, I'm just making little bowls for you and mom to eat from when I grow up". The little boy grinned at his dad and went back to work.

The parents were speechless. Tears streamed down their cheeks. Though no words were spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took the grandfather by the hand and led him back to the family table.

For the remainder of his days, the grandfather enjoyed every meal with his family. And for some reason, neither the husband nor his wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled or the tablecloth got soiled.

Children are remarkably perceptive. Their eyes always observe, their ears always listen, and their minds always process the messages they absorb. If they see us patiently provide a happy and healthy home atmosphere for all family members, they will imitate that strategy for the rest of their lives.

| wisdom | life | values | love | filial | children | kid | grandparents | old |

wordsforthisjourney
kuancheen
wisdom
life
values
love
filial
children
kid
grandparents
old