The Coconut Husk Bowl
http://www.JamesParmis.com
The father is almost stooped because of age when he lived with his son, daughter-in-law, and 6-year-old grandson. His youthful vigor is no longer visible.
With unsteady hands, blurring vision, and wobbly legs, he would join the family every meal.
It was difficult for the old man to eat because of his unsteady hands and blurring vision. This might be the result of years of hard jobs he took just to provide for his family.
The rice would fall on the floor, the water would spill on the mantle. It wasn’t long before the patience of the son and daughter-in-law ran out because of the mess the old man creates at meals.
“We should do something about Father, “ the couple said, “we can’t take anymore the spilling drink, the noisy eating, and mess on the floor.” The couple decided to put a small table at the corner.
Since then, the old man has been taking his meals there, while the family eats at the table.
And because he had broken some plates, his food was placed at a coconut husk bowl.
Sometimes, the family glances at the old man, and sometimes also, there were signs of tears forming in his eyes. However, the couple has only harsh words everytime the pitiful old man drops his spoon, spills his drink, or scatters his food.
All of these happen as the 6-year-old boy silently observes.
One afternoon before dinner time, the father noticed his little son playing with a coconut husk on the floor. “What are you doing, son” he tenderly asked the child as his wife looks on. And the boy fondly replied, “Dad, I am making a bowl out of this coconut husk where you and Mama can eat in a corner when I’m grown up.” You can see the innocent smile of the little boy as he carried on what he’s doing.
The couple looked at each other. It was like cold water thrown on their faces after what the boy had said. They were caught off guard and became speechless. Together they looked at the old man and tears started to fall on their cheeks.
There was no need for words. They knew what to do.
At dinner, the couple led the old man tenderly back to the dining table. And his remaining days were spent taking his meals with the family at the main table. There were no more harsh words from the couple every time his spoon falls, or his water spills, or his mess on the floor. It was replaced with love and understanding.
The father is almost stooped because of age when he lived with his son, daughter-in-law, and 6-year-old grandson. His youthful vigor is no longer visible.
With unsteady hands, blurring vision, and wobbly legs, he would join the family every meal.
It was difficult for the old man to eat because of his unsteady hands and blurring vision. This might be the result of years of hard jobs he took just to provide for his family.
The rice would fall on the floor, the water would spill on the mantle. It wasn’t long before the patience of the son and daughter-in-law ran out because of the mess the old man creates at meals.
“We should do something about Father, “ the couple said, “we can’t take anymore the spilling drink, the noisy eating, and mess on the floor.” The couple decided to put a small table at the corner.
Since then, the old man has been taking his meals there, while the family eats at the table.
And because he had broken some plates, his food was placed at a coconut husk bowl.
Sometimes, the family glances at the old man, and sometimes also, there were signs of tears forming in his eyes. However, the couple has only harsh words everytime the pitiful old man drops his spoon, spills his drink, or scatters his food.
All of these happen as the 6-year-old boy silently observes.
One afternoon before dinner time, the father noticed his little son playing with a coconut husk on the floor. “What are you doing, son” he tenderly asked the child as his wife looks on. And the boy fondly replied, “Dad, I am making a bowl out of this coconut husk where you and Mama can eat in a corner when I’m grown up.” You can see the innocent smile of the little boy as he carried on what he’s doing.
The couple looked at each other. It was like cold water thrown on their faces after what the boy had said. They were caught off guard and became speechless. Together they looked at the old man and tears started to fall on their cheeks.
There was no need for words. They knew what to do.
At dinner, the couple led the old man tenderly back to the dining table. And his remaining days were spent taking his meals with the family at the main table. There were no more harsh words from the couple every time his spoon falls, or his water spills, or his mess on the floor. It was replaced with love and understanding.
0 Comments