英語溫馨夜讀I PART3 07 The Wooden Bowl 一只木碗

[00:00.76]The Wooden Bowl 一只木碗 [00:05.89]A frail old man went to live with his son, [00:09.74]daughter-in-law, and a four-year old grandson. [00:12.90]The old man’s hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. [00:19.90]The family ate together nightly at the dinner table. [00:23.29]But the elderly grandfather’s shaky hands [00:27.07]and failing sight made eating rather difficult. [00:30.07]Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. [00:33.68]When he grasped the glass often milk spilled on the tablecloth. [00:38.61]The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. [00:42.98]So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. [00:47.14]There, grandfather ate alone [00:49.94]while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner at the dinner table. [00:53.49]Since grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. [01:00.71]Sometimes when the family glanced in grandfather’s direction, [01:05.29]he had a tear in his eye as he ate alone. [01:08.80]Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions [01:13.72]when he dropped a fork or spilled food. [01:16.57]The four-year-old son watched it all in silence. [01:20.40]One evening before supper, [01:23.13]the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. [01:27.62]He asked the child sweetly,“What are you making?” [01:32.11]Just as sweetly, the boy responded, [01:35.74]“Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and mama [01:40.08]to eat your food from when I grow up.” [01:42.50]The four-year-old son smiled and went back to work. [01:46.44]The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. [01:50.27]Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. [01:54.10]Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. [01:58.58]That evening the husband took grandfather’s hand [02:02.64]and gently led him back to the family table. [02:05.48]For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. [02:10.54]And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer [02:15.45]when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled. [02:20.71]Children are remarkably perceptive. [02:23.45]Their eyes always observe, their ears always listen, [02:28.97]and their minds always process the messages they absorb. [02:33.62]If they see us patiently provide a happy home atmosphere for family members, [02:38.87]they will imitate that attitude for the rest of their lives. [02:42.70]The wise parent realizes that every day is being laid for the child’s future. [02:49.27]Let us all be wise builders and role models. [02:52.99]Take care of yourself ... and those you love ... today, and everyday!

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