Inspirational 9

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four year old grandson.

The old man`s hand trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and is step faltered.

The family ate together at the table. But the elderly Grandfather`s shaky hands and failing eyesight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor.

When he grasped the glass, the milk spllled onto the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irratated 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 son and wife set a small table in the corner.

There Grandfather ate alone whlie 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 Grandfathers`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 replied,

"Oh, I am just making a little bowl for you and Mummy to eat your food from 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 the tears started to stream their cheeks.

Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.

That evening the husband took Grandfathers`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 or wife seemed to care anymore when a fork was dropped on the floor, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

On a more posotive note, I have 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 , regardless of your relationships with your parents,

you`ll miss them when their 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 if you pursue hapiness, 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 , hapiness will find you.

I`ve learned when I have pains, I dont have to be one.

I`ve learned that everyday you should reach out and touch someone.

People love that human touch- holding hands, a warm embrace, a hug or just a friendly pat on the back.

I`ve learned that I still have a lot to learn, have YOU?