Crapping Rainbows & Sunshine

I fully realize the sweet pigeon of luck and fortune is not likely to swoop in, and crap rainbows and sunshine all over my shoulders – so whether I feel like it or not, it’s up to me to try and – best I can, crawl out of this deep, dark morass. Believe me, no matter how much you might be in my corner – I have been anything but good company, and that’s putting it mildly – I’ve been an ugly, angry grouch. I’m trying to hold on to my anger because anger still equates to there being some fight left in me, if I let go of anger – I’m afraid of where that will lead me and what will be left… I’m pretty sure it won’t be good….

To that end I’ve spent a fair chunk of time looking online for magic potions or anything else I think might help keep me from stabbing someone in the face. There are roughly 21 million websites that come up with a Google search for inspirational… that’s a lot of inspiration, of course sprinkled amongst the nuggets are piles and piles of moronic drivel – but every so often a good story comes up… like this one;

The Wooden Bowl

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, 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.

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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.

Sometimes life gives you a second chance. 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 and even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one….

Have a Great Day.

PS – Happy Birthday Mom!