I received this as an email this morning, from a friend, and thoguht I would share it with my Gather pals. The author is unknown, but whoever he/she is, Thank you. I plan on using this as a teaching tool both in the nursing home and in my public speaking.
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.
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Comments: 13
Me too, when I first read it. Thanks.
I thought so too.
AIn't it the truth. Remember, Lily is the one who is going to have you to care for, be good to her now!!!...lol
there is a greater lesson in this story as well, imo. that is that our society really needs to bring age groups together in life and living. so that young, teens, young adults, adults, older adults and the beauty of experience beyond that, can all be known in the full spectrum of life - even up to the moment of departing. the way it is now that later life is unknown when most of us reach it. we have a few vague ideas of what it might be like. how much better if we could appreciate where we are going through knowing our own families at all stages of age - not just the young ages and down. but the experienced ages and up.
btw - that's a beautiful bowl you are showing with this article.
First of all, my deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. I lost my mother in '79, and not a Feb.11 goes by without a tear.
You know that all my "Granny's" pieces purpose is exactly what you have described. I work with people at the latter end of their respective tales, and I wish I could inspire more to realize that the entire "spectrum of life" should be honored , respected and relished.
You have just given me inspiration to write another piece on some of my experiences with the actively dying. Unfortunately, It will have to wait a few days, as I have to finish preparing my speech for the OHCA convention, where I will be speaking on " Compassionate Care of the Elderly". I may, when its complete, post the text. I would appreciate your input, when I do.
Glad you liked the bowl...I do too, and I hope I'm never eating out of one.