|
Saturday, February 07, 2004
Flavier: The parable of the glass milk
By Sen. Juan Flavier
THE farmer had realized most of his dreams in life.
He married his childhood sweetheart. She turned out to be model wife. Not did she tend the home and care for the family with devotion, she also managed their finances in an exemplary way.
Through dint of hard work their rice field produced enough for their daily needs and many of the simple luxuries of modern life.
He had always dreamt of having a son. And on the fourth pregnancy, his wife finally give birth to the much awaited boy. Unfortunately the only son turned out to be completely blind.
Perhaps because of the defect, the farmer showered the boy with even more care and attention.
One day the farmer brought a glass of milk to his son sitting by the window of their nipa hut.
"This is a glass of milk," said the father with all gentleness. "Drink it to make you strong."
"Thank you, father," replied the eight-year old lad. "I know what a glass is. But what is milk?"
The farmer thought for a while. "Well, it is like water but the color is white."
"I know water," remarked the boy in a measured tone. "But what is white?"
"You know, like the clouds that float in the air."
"I know air like the wind blowing. But what float?"
"Like the duck floating water," answered the father patiently.
"I am beginning to imagine it. But is a duck similar to a chicken?"
"Yes, more or less. But a duck has a long crooked neck."
"I know a neck. But what do you mean crooked?"
The farmer put down the glass of milk on a side table. He then held up the boy’s arm. "Your arm is straight," he began. Then he bent it by the elbow. "Now your arm is crooked. Feel it?"
"I understand what is meant by crooked," commented the boy with a glow of excitement.
The farmer looked at his son affectionately and concluded," Now you know what is milk."
(February 6, 2004 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
|
