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 nightly 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 a little bowl for
you and mama to eat your food from 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. 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 that 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 everyday!