River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1878-12-19
Kindness to Parents.

Noticing since, writes correspondent
of an exchange, as took my seat in the
cars for days ride, I observed, seated
opposite me, an elderly lady and q mid
dle-aged gentleman, who inferred, from
some casual remark. had been travelling q
day or two. 1t was very early hour in
the morning, and the lady was apparent.
~ sleeping.
Wc rode in silence for some time. when
the lady awoke, and heard the gentle
man address her as mother. His dig
nified. unobtrusiye manner. and the ten
| der, 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 tc his mother. The
| slightest movement on her part to adjust
her furs, or cloak, or overshoes, or any
change Of position, called forth his ready
hand in assistance, and the inquiries
care you comfortable, mother2 Do you
feel tired? Lay your head on my shout
der, and rest yourself"
AZ noon the cars stopped for the pas
sengers to obtain refreshments. 1t was
showing too fast for the mother to get out
of the cars and the son brought her cup
of coffee.
as it just right, mother2" he inquired,
az she tasted il.
"A little more cream would make il
better; it is, however, very good % it is,
was her reply.
LET me get you some more"
"No my son-it will make you toe
much trouble; it is very good as it is.'
He went out, aud soon returned with
the cream, and poured little into the
coffee, and then little more till it was
lust right" He then sat down by her
side, and | heard him say, in the same
low tone of voice that at first attracted
my attention, II am glad, mother, that /
can do anything to make you comforta
bic il is such pleasure to me-
II thank you, my son, she replied, in
the same spirit and tone of voice es that
of her son.
Beautiful, thought I, as I quietly
watched them, and saw manifested theig
mutual love and confidence. My mind
went back to the time when this son.
now in manhood's strength, was htyle
helpless infant, and | pictured that
mother watching over him, caring for
him with 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
a mothers love ever ready to restrain him
from doing wrong Now il is his turn.
when iife's meridian with her is past,
and the inGrmities of age are creeping
on, to repay her, Ia some degree, for all
the labor bestowed on him; aud faithful
" and affectionately did he seem fulfill
ing his duty. How many grown up sons
there are who seem to feel it beneath
them TO show any tenderness for their
mothers It Is feminine, they say.
They will perform acts OF kindness, but
in business kind Of way, or because ii
is their duty, little dreaming that they
are crushing the maternal spirit by such
cold heaytless acts.
Acts Of kindness, done in that spirit
manifested in the incident above mention
ed, have an untold influence. The path
way 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 good citizen, true friend, and
will be faithful in all the walks of life.
So1