Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1874-07-10
Courtesies to Parents.


PARENTS lean upon their children, and
especially their sons, much earlier than
either of them imagine. Their love is a
constant inspiration, a perennial fountain
OF delight from which other lips NAV
quah and be comforted thereby 1t may
be that the mother has been left widow,
depending ON her only son for support.
He gives her q comfortable home, sees
that she is well clad, and allows no debts
to accumulate, and that is all. II is
considerable more even than many sons
do, but there is lack. He seldom thinks
IT worth while to give her carcss he
has forgotten all those affectionate ways
that kept the wrinkles from her face
and make her look so much younger
than her years; he is ready to put his
hand in his pocket to crafty her slightest
request, but to give of the abundance of
his heart is another thing entirely. He
loves his motherY OF course he doesl
Are there not proofs enough of his filial
regardP Is he not continually making
sacrifices for her benefit? What more
could any reasonable woman ask?
All, but 1t is the mother-heart that
Graves an occasional kiss, the support of
your youthful arm, the little attentions
and kindly courtesies of life that smooth
down so many of its asperities and make
the journey less wearisome Material
aid is good so far as it goes, but IL has
not that sustaining power which the low
ing, sympathetic heart bestows upon its
object. You think she has outgrown
these weaknesses and follies, and is con-
tent with the crust that is left; but you
are mistaken. Every little offer of at
tention-yOur escort to church, or con-
cert O. for quiet walk-brings back the
youth of her heart; hti cheeks glow,
and her eyes sparkle with pleasure, and
OH how proud she is of her sonl
Even the father, occupied and absorbed
as he may be, is not wholly Indifferent to
these tlial expressions of devoted love.
lie may pretend to care very little for
them, but, having faith in their sincerity,
1t would give him serious pain were they
entirely withheld. Fathers need their
sons quite as much as the sons need the
fathers, but in how many deplorable in
stances do they fail to find in them staff
for their declining years!
My son, are you a sweetener of lifeY
You may disappoint the ambition of your
parents may be unable to distinguish
yourself as they fondly hoped may find
your intellectual strength inadequate to
your own desires, but let none of these
things move you from determination to
be son of whose moral character they
need never be ashamed. Begin early to
cultivate habit of thoughtfulness and
consideration for others, especially for
those whom you are commanded to hon.
or. Can you begrudge few extra steps
for the mother who never stopped to
number those you demanded during your
helpless infancy? Have you the heart to
slight her requests, or treat her remarks
with indifference, when you cannot begin
TO measure the patient devotion with
which she bore with your peculiarities9
Anticipate her wants, invite her conf
lence, be prompt to offer assistance, ex-
press your affections as heartily as YOU
.1S' - a. ANr y lta oOOrOJ IUr Juc stu BIC ndB
lost.-S s. Times.