I received this today from a friend. Enjoyed it so much I thought I'd pass it along. Sorry if it's a little long but it's worth it.

Thanks for reading.

What's Really Important

Today's parable from Clarence Edwards The Wooden Bowl A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year 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 Grandfather," 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 when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went back to work. The words so struck the parents 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 three things: a rainy day, 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. Sometimes they just need a little something to make them smile. People will forget what you said ... people will forget what you did ... but people will never forget how you made them feel. Good Luck.

-- Trevilians (aka Dianne in Mass) (Trevilians@mediaone.net), July 14, 2001

Answers

Thanks Dianne, that was nice.

-- Joy F [in So. Wisconsin] (CatFlunky@excite.com), July 14, 2001.

Dianne, Thank you for posting that, It was wonderful, I took care of my dad for 10 years after my mom died, It was hard at times as I was working and had two teen agers home at the time.It is hard on the old person, as they become the child and the kids become the parents. Many times I would just go out for a walk till I could cope.This post brought back lots of memories. thanks Irene

-- Irene texas (tkorsborn@cs.com), July 14, 2001.

Dianne,

I, too, wish to thank you very much for that post.

-- Gary in Indiana (gk6854@aol.com), July 14, 2001.

Dianne - from another Dianne - I think that was one of the most inspiring posts I have read in a long time. Thanks for sharing it - somehow we seem to forget these important pieces of life every now and again. The one about happiness eluding us when we pursue it struck me especially. Thanks again.

-- Dianne (willow@config.com), July 14, 2001.

a special thank you for a very thoughtful post.

-- bob mccaffrey (bobmccaffrey1@netscape.net), July 14, 2001.

There but for the grace of God go we all. Inspiring post. Thank you.

-- Sandra Nelson (Magin@starband.net.), July 15, 2001.

What a beautiful post. It really makes you stop and think.

-- Colleen (pyramidgreatdanes@erols.com), July 15, 2001.

I think I recieved that one in a email once upon a time. It is inspiring and a truly valuable lesson. Here's a joke on the same theme. A little boy was very sad. His Grandpa sat with him and lovingly asked him what was wrong. "Grandpa, sometimes I spill my milk.." "So do I, son" "Sometimes I spill my food.." "So do I ,son" "Sometimes I fall down and hurt myself.." "Me too, son" The boy looked at his Grandpa tearfully, "Grandpa sometimes I wet my bed." Grandpa hugged the despondant child close and said with a sigh

" So do I , sonny"

Its a funny little joke but sooo true that we are all in the same boat no matter what! Respect and understanding at all ages is very important. Smiles and hugs to all.

-- Alison in N.S. (aproteau@istar.ca), July 16, 2001.