Something I think we should all read

Canada
June 11, 2008 11:37pm CST
Subject: F A M I L Y So, so true! F A M I L Y I ran into a stranger as he passed by, "Oh excuse me please" was my reply. He said, "Please excuse me too; I wasn't watching for you." We were very polite, this stranger and I. We went on our way and we said goodbye. But at home a different story is told, How we treat our loved ones, young and old. Later that day, cooking the evening meal, My son stood beside me very still. When I turned, I nearly knocked him down. "Move out of the way," I said with a frown. He walked away, his little heart broken. I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken. While I lay awake in bed, God's still small voice came to me and said, "While dealing with a stranger, common courtesy you use, but the family you love, you seem to abuse. Go and look on the kitchen floor, You'll find some flowers there by the door. Those are the flowers he brought for you. He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue. He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise, you never saw the tears that filled his little eyes." By this time, I felt very small, And now my tears began to fall. I quietly went and knelt by his bed; "Wake up, little one, wake up," I said. "Are these the flowers you picked for me?" He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree. I picked 'em because they're pretty like you. I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue." I said, "Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today; I shouldn't have yelled at you that way." He said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay. I love you anyway." I said, "Son, I love you too, and I do like the flowers, especially the blue." FAMILY Are you aware that if we died tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family we left behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more into work than into our own family, an unwise investment indeed, don't you think? So what is behind the story? Do you know what the word FAMILY means? FAMILY = (F)ATHER (A)ND (M)OTHER (I) (L)OVE (Y)OU Has this same thing ever hppened to you? It gave me something to think about.
4 people like this
12 responses
@lucy02 (5015)
• United States
12 Jun 08
That is so true. We treat strangers better than our own family most of the time. I guess we think they have to love us anyway. We tend to forget how bad our words can hurt others, especially the people who love us.
2 people like this
• Canada
12 Jun 08
Indeed and unfortunately Oh so true.
1 person likes this
@moondancer (7433)
• United States
12 Jun 08
I have seen this many times in families. Where the children are seen and not heard. It happened to us when we were younger and I vowed to never be that way with my young ones or any young ones. I hope that in any distress that I feel that I have not treated anyone this way, especially my beloved family. I thank everyone for what they do for me, no matter who it is. I tell them thank you for everything that requires this reply. I say I love you and give hugs as much as I think about it. I have yelled or raised my voice at times and apologised for it soon after. Telling the possible reason that I did this. I never wish to make anyone feel distress or to be sad. Especially over anything I do or say. Thank you so much for this story and bring this to the attention of everyone.
• Canada
12 Jun 08
Yes this is so true and we all know that what goes around comes around. We need to have more patience with people and I'm at the top of that list some days. Life just isn't always a bowl of cherries.
1 person likes this
@laglen (19759)
• United States
12 Jun 08
That was a beautiful post! Thank you. It does certainly make you think. I myself try to be polite even with my family. But the part about work and investing.... that I need to pay attention to! Thank you for reminding me.
2 people like this
• Canada
12 Jun 08
Rated + and Thank You for being here for me too.
1 person likes this
@irishmist (3814)
• United States
13 Jun 08
I remember this, I have seen it a few times, and it always brings a tear to my eye. And it is so true how we treat people and our loved ones. Thanks for sharing this with us and reminding us what family means.
1 person likes this
• Canada
13 Jun 08
Thank You also for your response I appreciate hearing from you always.
@Nana530 (286)
• United States
13 Jun 08
This is absolutely beautiful. And it really is something that everyone should read. Soemtimes people get so wrapped up in their work and what is going on the outside that they overlook what is really important. And what is more important than family. I have never seen the last part, what the word family means. That is really neat. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
1 person likes this
• Canada
13 Jun 08
Thank You for your comments it's people like you that make people like me feel so good. There's so very little I can do for anyone anymore and it feels good hearing this sort of feedback. Thank You.
• United States
12 Jun 08
This is very touching!! It brought tears to my eyes!!
2 people like this
• Canada
12 Jun 08
Well Thank You for reading and your comment. I rate everyone here a +. Thanks.
1 person likes this
@weemam (13372)
12 Jun 08
I was always someone who cuddled my kids and my grand kids pal , I tell them and my Mam and dad all the time that I love them , when I nearly lost hubby a couple of years ago I made up my mind I was going to tell them on a regular basis , xx
1 person likes this
• Canada
12 Jun 08
Yes I know what you mean. After I had my heart attack my daughter (only child) and I go to the city and have a day of shopping and come home the next day. I look forward to that every year.
@Polly1 (12645)
• United States
12 Jun 08
I have heard a story similar to this before. I never heard about the spelling of family, I do like that. The story is something to think about. Do we treat strangers better then family. Family is everything, we need to treat each other better and with more kindness and manners. I do the cooking for the family, thank yous go a long ways. My 3 yr. old grandson has more manners then most adults. I hope he continues to use his manners throughout his life.
1 person likes this
• Canada
12 Jun 08
Well if that's the case we must have raised our kids the same way. I only had one daughter and she has two wonderful children and I can say the same thing you have when it comes to manners. My grandchildren use very good manners and so many times they have made me proud. I too hope it carrys through in life.
@raydene (9871)
• United States
12 Jun 08
Hello Sweetie What a sweet discussion. We all use our best self on the outside and let it all hang out when at home. I try to be my best self all the time but we fail,no? oxxoxoxoxoxo
1 person likes this
• Canada
12 Jun 08
Fail oh YES and sometimes miserably. We need to hang on tight to the ones we love because life can be short. Here today and gone tomorrow.
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
12 Jun 08
This is a very good discussion and might bring awareness to some that forget the family comes first. I do keep my family first and no matter what I am doing if the opportunity to see them or talk to them arises I drop what I am doing for them....and they would do it for me too!
1 person likes this
• Canada
13 Jun 08
That's the same situation I have with my daughter.Thank You
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
23 Jun 08
That is a good story. I like the use of family as the beginning of those words. There have been times when I have spoken to someone harshly and wished I hadn't. Take care
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
12 Jun 08
that brought tears to my eyes grandmaof2.thanks for remindingwhat is really important. so often' we are six times more polite to strangers and to our coworkers than to our own children and spouses. it would not hurt for each of us to just be a little more kind to those we love the most and enjoy what ever little gifts we might get from children and spouses. be even kinder than you would 'to a stranger or a friend, this is your family you are talking to so welcome them with open arms always.
• Canada
13 Jun 08
Thank you also for your response I appreciate it very much.