My tears fell as I read this-- I take care of my uncle who will be 70 in March and there have been days when he has annoyed me to no end with what I think to myself is irritating. However when I read this I realized how much strong in heart and love this little boy was. I hope and pray that I to can be as loving and full of insight as this little boy was. I do not know who wrote this piece but I wish I could give them a huge hug for helping me to realize that I need to be more understanding and loving.

Misker
 
 

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 the
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 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 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 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.