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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 14,178 Likes: 1
Campfire Outfitter
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OP
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 14,178 Likes: 1 |
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. On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. I've 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. I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life..' I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back sometimes. I've 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 I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision. I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one. I've 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. I've learned that I still have a lot to learn. I've learned that you should pass this on to everyone you care about .I just did
Well we're Green and we're Gold, and we play better when it's cold. All us Cheese heads have our favorite superstar. We love Brett Favre.
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 435
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 435 |
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 19,504
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 19,504 |
Good post, Denny.
Our youngest and our oldest often have the most to teach us, if only we didn't know it all already.
4 out of 5 Great Lakes prefer Michigan.
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,539
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,539 |
Dang, made me cry. My 96yr old mother lives with us and eats every meal at our table. Life is good.
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,639
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,639 |
I heard that story in Sunday school and never forgot the lesson it taught me..
Speak softly and use a big bore... Where's El Cid when we need him...
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 73,096
Campfire Kahuna
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Campfire Kahuna
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 73,096 |
Most excellent story Sir.
Remember, be kind to your children, they will be the ones deciding where you live in your old age.
George Orwell was a Prophet, not a novelist. Read 1984 and then look around you!
Old cat turd!
"Some men just need killing." ~ Clay Allison.
I am too old to fight but I can still pull a trigger. ~ Me
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 12,447
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 12,447 |
Eyes are a little wet here for some reason or another. Wonderful story Whelenman, thank you.
Lynn
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 14,178 Likes: 1
Campfire Outfitter
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OP
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 14,178 Likes: 1 |
I've got to admit I cried a little to.
Well we're Green and we're Gold, and we play better when it's cold. All us Cheese heads have our favorite superstar. We love Brett Favre.
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 871
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 871 |
Certainly seems to go against our current culture.
Long
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 174
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 174 |
Great lesson and yes I was teary eyed!
Focus on the leading edge!
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