The Wichita city eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1872-1883, 1875-09-16
Fer the EAGLE.
COurteSieS to Parents.

Parents lean upon their children, and espe-
cially upon sons, much earlier than either OF
them imagine. Their love is constant Inspi-
ration, perennial fountain Of delight from
which our lips may quaff and be comforted
thereby. 1t may be that the mother has been
left widow, dependent on her only son for
support. He gives her comfortable home,
sees that she is well clad, and allows no debts
to accumulate, and that is all. IT'S considera-
bic more than many sons do. But there is a
lack. lie seldom thinks it worth while to give
her caress; he has forgotten all those affec-
tionate ways that kept the wrinkles from her
face, and made her look so much younger'than
her years; he is ready to put his hand in hi :
pocket to crafty her slightest request. but to
give of the abundance of his heart is another
thing entirely. He loves his mother or
course he does! Are there not proofs enough
OF his iilial regard. Is he not continually max :
ing sacrifices for her benefit? What more
could any reasonable woman ask? All. but
it is the mothers heart that Graves an occa-
sional kiss, the support of your youthful arm,
the little attentions and kindly courtesies OF
life that smooth down so many Of its asperi-
ties and make the journey less wearisome.
Material aid is good as far as it goes, but ii has
not that sustaining power which the loving,
sympathetic heart bestows upon its object.
You think she has outgrown those weaknesses
and follies, and is content with the crust that
is left; but You are mistaken. Every little
offer of attention, your escort to church, or
for quiet walk, bring back the youth Of her
heart, her cheeks glow. and her eyes sparkle
with pleasure, and oh! how proud she is of
her son. Even the father, occupied and alb
sorbed as he may be, is not wholly Indifferent
TO these filial expressions OF devoted love. lie
may pretend to care very little for them, but
having faith in their sincerity, it would give
him serious pain, were they entirely withheld.
Fathers need their sons quite as much as sons
need their fathers, but in how many deplora-
BILE instances do they fail to find in them
staff for their declining years.
My son, are you a sweetener of lie? You
may disappoint the ambition of your parents
may be unable TO distinguish yourself rs
they fondlY hoped-may find your intellectual
strength ie2dequate to your own desires, but
let none of these things move you from de-
termination TO be a son of whose moral char
acter they need never be ashamed. Begin
early to cultivate habit of thoughtfulness
and consideration for Others, especially for
those whom you are commanded to homer.
Can you bogrudge few extra steps for moth
er, 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 can
not begin to measure the patient devotion
with which she bore your pecuarities An
ticipate her wants, invite her confidence, be
prompt to offer assistance, express your afTec-
ton as you did when child, that the mother
may never grieye in secret for the son she has
lost. OMEGA