The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1911-11-23
JOE's THANKSGIVING.

Joe Gordon was a manly fellow,
willing and obliging, general ia
'vorite, and could beat all the boys
IN school, whether they tried to
jump, run, climb, skate, swim, or
compete for a prize, although he new
.er seemed to try to Guido the others
He was so persevering and earnest in
whatever he undertook that ne could
mot help succeeding. The boys were
never envious or jealous, neither did
they begrudge him the prizes that
ne so richly merited.
Joe never Dragged over his victo-
ries, but said:
Ell hope every one of you will win
\ prize some time"
Sincere was the sorrow Of all his
schoolmates when Joe was thrown
srom a horse, cheering a political pa
Eade before election, and his spine so
severely injured that the doctor told
aim
You viii never walk again, Joe"
This was a terrible blow to boy
who had always been strong and
healthy; but Joe was brave, and
said:
Ell can study on my bed, and per-
haps Professor Cook will come and
hear me recite occasionally, and may
be l will amount to something, if l
cannot walk"
The boys pitied him, because he
was an orphan. But Joe was 100
~ I'd 70
rIze his loss. He lived with his grand
mother, who almost idolized him, and
very happy were they together. A
small income made them quite COM
Portable, but luxuries were out of
the question.
Grandma Gordon" as all the chill
vdren called her, wds a sincere Chris
1ian, fully believing in Gods prom
1ses. She had taught Joe to do as
She had done, Seek first the king
dom OF Cod" and have faith that
all things shall be added"
Soc used to amuse his grandmoth-
~'er building air-castles, for he ex-
pected some day to be rich man,
and give her the best that the world
afforded. But, alas! all was now
schanged; yet Joe never murriured or
complained, saying: God can take
care or grandma, If I can't. Who
@Enows but may do something YETI"
The boys visited him frequently,
and soe's room was the center of all
meetings of importance, and there
all questions were taken for Joe's
opinion, and usually the boys would
abide by mis- decision. When the doc
TOR gave Joe permission ''to sit up an
hour or two every day." Joe said:
Better not, doctor; because I can't
IaeIp myself much, and grandma is
Eaot strong. don't mind lying in bed,
eonIy sometimes I long to look out
the window and see the flowers.
can see the tops of the trees from
Ehere; yet would love to whistle to
che birds, as I used to do when
~Sou1d walk" ana Joe turned his face
to the wall to conceal the tears he
could not control.
Doctor Gray's voice was husky and
v1remulous when he said:
zoe, l will help you up now; fol
ut IS almost three o'clock, and some
<ST the boys will call after school, ant
~Ean help you back to bed"
The old rocking chair hurt joe!
back; but grandma put her onl!
Clown pillow behind the sufferer, will
las Eeet supported by foot-res
'Ioaned by neighbor. He was com
Portable and enjoyed the view u
and down the street. He also hat
occasional bows from passers-by; We
ne was ready to lie down when tn
boys came and told them ''the be
rs the best place, after ALL
The boys soon organized "Relie
Corps" and each day two boys helpe
zoe up, and two others assisted hiI
back to bed, varying the hourset
suit his wishes or physical condition
Thanksgiving Day a "Harves
Home celebration was to be held i
The church, just opposite Joe's home
The boys said: There will be n
school Thursday; so We will com
and help you to the window in tim
30 see the people go to church, an
enjoy the procession which the men
5ers of the Sunday-school are
form, each child to carry fruit {
sNowers. grains or vegetables. all {