A Lesson For Old Age

[AltumAngel]

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 for you and Mama to eat your food when I grow up." The four-year-

old smiled and went back to work. The words so struck the parents

that they were speechless.

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 the building blocks

are being laid for the child's future.Let's be wise builders and role

models.

"Life is about people connecting with people, and making a positive

difference " Take care of yourself, and those you love, ...today, and

everyday! That regardless of your relationship with your parents,

you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.

That making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life." 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 to connect and Please the Creator, happiness will

find you.

Sometimes people just need a little something to make them smile.

People will forget what you said ... people will forget what you

did... but people will never forget how you made them feel.

[peter991]

Thanks, AA. That was quite touching

Peter