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 4 yr old grandson. The old man's >hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step >faltered. > >The family ate together every night 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, >sometime 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, regardless of your relationship >with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone >from your life. > >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. > >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. > >NOTICE AT THE END, THE DATE THE CANDLE WAS STARTED. >GONNA GIVE YOU GOOSE BUMPS. > >I am not going to be the one who lets it die. I found >it believable -- angels have walked beside me all my >life--and they still do. > >The Candle Of Love, Hope & Friendship > () > |---| > |---| > |---| > >This candle was lit on September,15, 1998. Someone >who loves you has helped keep it alive by sending it to you. > >Don't let The Candle of Love, Hope and Friendship >die! Pass It On To All Of Your Friends and Everyone >You Love!
