On a Journey

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 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 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, "What are you making?"

The boy responded,

"Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and

Mummy 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 his Son’s face

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.

Children are remarkably perceptive.

Their eyes ever observe, their ears ever listen,

and their minds ever process the messages they absorb.

If they see us patiently provide a happy home atmosphere,

they will imitate that attitude for the rest of their lives.

The wise parent realise that every day the building blocks are

being laid for the child's future.

Let's be wise builders and role models.