Grandpa's Table – Connecting With People

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 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 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 Grand- father’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 for family members, they will imitate that attitude for the rest of
their lives. The wise parent realizes that every day the building blocks are being
laid for the child’s future. Let’s be wise builders and role models.
“Life is about people connecting with people, and making a
positive difference” “Take care of yourself and those you love,
today and everyday!”