The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1878-11-28
Kindness to Parents.

Nor long since, writes a correspond
ent of an exchange, as took my seat
in the cars for days ride, observed,
seated opposite me, an elderly lady and
q middle-aged gentleman, who I in
ferred, from some casual remark, had
been travelling day or two. 1t was
very early hour in the morning, and
the lady was apparently sleeping.
We rode in silence for some time,
when the lady awoke, and heard the
gentleman address her as mother. His
dignified, unobtrusive manner, and the
tender, deferential tone of voice, at
once drew my attention to them, and
having no company, my thoughts were
my own.
All the tender care which a mother
could bestow ON an infant child, was
given by that son to his mother. The
slightest movement on her part to adj
just her furs, or cloak, or overshoes, or
any change of position, called forth his
ready hand in assistance, and the in
quiries, ''Are you comfortable, moth
er? DO you feel tired? Lay your head
on my shoulder, and rest yourself"
At noon the cars stopped for the
passengers to obtain refreshments. 1t
was showing too fast for the mother to
get out of the cars, and the son brought
her a cup of coffee.
els it Just right, mother?'' he in
quired, as she tasted it.
"a little more cream would make it
better; it is, however, very good as it
u.s." was her reply.
"Let me get you some more"
"NO my sOn-it will make you too
much trouble; it is very good as it is"
He went out, and soon returned with
the cream, and poured little into the
coffee, and then little more till it was
"just right" He then sat down by
her side, and l heard him say, in the
same low tone of voice that at first at
tracted my attention, II am glad,
mother, that can do anything to make
you comfortable, it is such a pleasure
to me-"
81 thank you, my son. she replied,
in the same spirit and tone of voice as
that of her son.
Beautiful, thought l, as l quietly
watched them, and saw manifested their
mutual love and confidence. My mind
went back TO the time when this son,
now in manhood's strength, was little
helpless infant, and l pictured that
mother watching over him, caring for
him with a solicitude such as mothers
only can feel. And through all the
years of childhood and youth, up to
manhood, the watchful eye was over
him, the guiding hand ever ready to
lead, and mothers love ever ready to
restrain him from doing wrong. Now
it is his turn, when life's meridian with
her is past, and the infirmities of age
are creeping on. to repay her, in some
degree, for all the labor bestowed on
him; and faithfully and affectionately
did he seem fulfilling his duty. How
many grown up sons there are who
seem to feel it beneath them to show
any tenderness for their mothers! 1t is
feminine, they say. They will perform
acts of kindness, but in business kind
of way, or because it is their duty, little
dreaming that they are crushing the
maternal spirit by such cold, heartless
acts.
Acts of kindness, done in the spirit
manifested in the incident above-men-
toned, have an untold influence. The
pathway down to the grave would be
cheered, made even joyful, and old age
would be exempt from much of the
gloom that is often experienced.
The reflex influence is also great. A
young man who is habitually tender of
his mother, and deferential to her, will
make a good citizen, a true friend, and
will be faithful in all the walks of life.