Every now and then a story cosses my desk that has a pretty powerful message attached.

The following story was drafted by an unknown author and given the tone of the story, I am sure they would not mind if I posted it here.

Feel free to copy it and send it to your friends as I’m sure the original author meant it to be.

Subject: Fw: The wooden bowl - great story

I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow,
a week from now, a month from now, a year from now.

The Wooden Bowl

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, 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!

Please keep this candle alive

Don’t walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don’t walk behind me,
I may not lead. Just walk beside me and be my friend.