I received an email this past week and as I was sifting through it, I stopped and pondered for a few minutes about the story. It has been around and I'm sure that most of you have read it previously, but for some reason the story really struck me this time around.
As I was growing up my grandparents health became so bad that they ended up living with us for a short time. I remember trying to make the most of it and adjusting things in the home for them to help them be more comfortable. I remember that I had to be more careful about having friends over and make other such concessions.
Now that I am older, I realize what a huge impact this had on my parents and their lives. If you know me well then you know that I am very close to my parents, and I'm very proud of the things they have accomplished and done for themselves. And as I read this story once again this week, I realized that I have learned yet another thing from my wonderful parents; the love that they showed to both of their aging parents. It isn't something I gave a lot of thought previously. They took in my grandparents while having full time jobs, a child still at home, as well as Church callings and responsibilities. They worked it all right in to their daily life. Of course I heard them quietly complain and watched as they had to set the things they wanted aside, but never once did they allow my grandparents to know or feel the burden they were bearing for them.
I hope that as I continue through my life, I can remember all of the many great lessons that my wonderful parents have taught me. I hope that I can make them as proud of me as I am of them! I know that I tell them all the time how much I love and appreciate all that they do for me, but I again want to tell them how much I love, adore and cherish all that they have done for me in the last 30 years. Mom and Dad, I appreciate all the love and support you have shown to me, my husband, and all of my friends. I love having your ears to listen to me, your shoulders to cry on, and to hear your cheers from the sidelines! Your advice and support mean the world to me. You are both shining examples of how I want to live my life!!!
Thank you. You are wonderful parents, and I couldn't be more proud to be your daughter! I LOVE YOU MOM AND DAD!
Your Daughter,
BettyJo
For those of that haven't read the story, please enjoy!
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 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 father," 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 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 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.
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