Saturday, January 24, 2009

An uneventful Saturday

Today has been uneventful, I was able to go to the chiropractor this morning and get my back adjusted. I was so grateful for that because I can hardly walk today. The only bad part was our chiropractor has been sick and today he didn't really feel very good but had to come to work. I have known him for over 1 1/2 yrs and I have never known him to miss work. I felt sorry for him because you could tell he needed to be home in bed but... I was sure grateful that he was there. I was doing a bit better yesterday after I got off my feet and iced my back, but 2 1/2 hours at the basketball game and those hard bleachers did me in, I guess? Anyway, I was glad I was there for Lee but I am paying for it today. After my adjustment I came home and have been down all day with ice on my back. The Dr. said that it might take a couple of days to get the swelling down and the pressure off of the nerves. Oh brother, I just knew I was in trouble when the Physical Therapist started working me out in the gym. My back and neck are stronger than they have ever been lately but... still weaker than the normal body. So today I wanted to share with you one of my favorite stories. Hope you have a great weekend and thanks for all of your support!


                                                                The Wooden Bowl

                                                                                                  By Author Unknown
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 their dinners together.

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 you get old." 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.

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 life sometimes gives you a second chance.

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 children's eyes observe more than their ears ever hear and the example we set for them determines their actions.

I've learned that make a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life".

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 people will forget what you said ...people will forget what you did......but people will never forget how you made them feel.

I've learned that life is about people and making a positive difference.

I've learned that you should take care of yourself and those you love - Today and Everyday!

I've learned I still have a lot to learn!

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