THE STORY OF THE PLASTIC BOWL

On and off, I hear many people complaining about how much burden their elderly or sickly parents have given them. Some even scolded their parents worst than a dog until the whole neighbourhood knew about it. Sometimes, you can even hear them cursing, “Why don’t you go die faster?” “You faster go join who and who and who in heaven/hell!” “You live so long for what? Give me so many problems.”

Here is a short story that I would like to share with you guys. I am sure that you will remember this story not only today, but tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now, or even the rest of your life. It’s the story of the plastic bowl.

After the death of her wife, a frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and his 5 years old grandson. Due to old age, the old man has poor vision, his hands always trembled and his steps were faltered. The family always ate together but the old man's shaky hands and failing sight made eating rather difficult. Rice fell all over onto the floor, utensils dropped onto the floor and water spilled all over the table.

The couple became irritated with the old man’s actions and decided that they should do something to stop all the mess and the noise. So they set up a small table in the corner, leaving the old man eating alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner on the family table. Ever since the old man had broken a few plates and bowl, his meal was served to him in a plastic bowl. When the old man dropped a fork or a spoon or even spilled some food on the floor, the couple would stare at him with a sharp angry look. They did not even see tears coming out from the old man’s eyes during every meal. If only they did but the child saw everything. The child just watched what was happening in silence.

One evening, the couple noticed their son playing with some plastic bowls. The child was wiping the bowls and wrapping them in newspaper. The father asked his son what he was doing. Innocently, the boy responded, "Oh, I am keeping these bowls for you and Mummy to eat your food in when I grow up." The child just smiled and went back to wrap the bowls.

His parents were stunned and speechless. Tears started to flow down their cheeks as they realized what they have done to the old man. That very evening, they took the old man's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the rest of his days, the old man ate every meal with the family. No one seemed to care any more about the mess or even the noise made by the old man.

The moral behind this story is that your parents will get old, so will you. How happily you are going to lead the rest of your life depends on how you treat your parents today. Children observe and learn very fast. How good or bad the parents are towards their parents will determine how good or bad a child is going to treat his parents when he grew up. Parents should set a good example in filial piety for their child to follow. The end result will be brighter.

We are a family and we should stay as a family forever. What do you know about the meaning of the word “Family”?

F.A.M.I.L.Y. = Father And Mother…I Love You

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, a person should not live his life as a loner, he will need some company and the company is called “family”.

I've learned that, no matter what happens, how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life" as life sometimes gives you a second chance to change for the better.

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 whenever I decide something with an open heart and a peaceful mind, I usually make the right decision.

I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch such as holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn and learning will not stop until I leave this wonderful world I’m in now.