Washington telegraph., 1914-02-20
A HAPPY OCCASION
Mr.. Editor:

PlSSU OCCdSlOn ever remember
and feel sure many of the dear
old Washington friends will be
glad to read Of it.
Thursday, January s, was the
18th birthday Of my father, Mr.,
W. Fl. Carruth, who now lives in
Arkadelphia but who spent near
ly all his life on the sand hills of |
Washington, which he loves bet |
ter than any spot on earth.
Three Of his children, Mayday,
Hugh and myself, surprised him
by suddenly walking in where he
sat in his big chair by a roaring
fire He had not seen Hugh in
three years and did not recognize
him at once, but he was overjoyed
on learning that he had come to
celebrate his birthday with him.
Besides those already mentioned,
there were present Mrs. H. B.
Turner Of Hope and Mrs. John
Lee Of Malvern, nieces Of papa's,
and little Mary M. Carruth !,
daughter Of Hugh, who now lives
in Nashville.
Each one who came brought
grips and baskets Of gifts to the
dearest old father anybody ever
had and it would have done your
soul good to see how he enjoyed
everything-with childlike glee.
A new suit Of clothes was
among other things, so it was
promptly put on the owner, who
said he was too dressed up for
everyday" Baskets Of ready
cooked dinner were unlOaded and
the table fairly groaned under
the load The very things had
been prepared which papa liked
best, old fashioned things that he
remembered in the long ago-not
French salads rose leaf sand
witches and ices but bakec
chicken and "stufing, spareribs
like he used to have at the deal
old home on the hill, pigs feet jus
to his notion, old fashioned swee
potato biscuit, half a dozen side
= dishes and a desert Of peach cob
bier with cream-just the kline
he had 10 years ago.
1t was the first time we had al
: been together in a great man.
years and of course we had mucl
to talk over, so the occasion wa
great one to the guests as wei
as host and hostess. After din
ner papa asked Us to sing hin
some Of the old songs he loved
+ and we gladly did so. It was to-
much for the pent up love AM
! feelings of the dear old Saint, s.
he turned loose in an old tim
Methodist shout and wound VI
with prayer Of thanksgiving t
God that his children and lOveC
ones had been spared to com,
once more to make him a visit
He thanked God for the man,
blessings that had been sent al
during his long life and begged
y for patience tC await the time
when he might 60 home where
he would never suffer any more.
After our love feast" was owe
!. we put him to bed to rest awhile
\ and the rest of US sat in another
room and laughed and joked eacl
other till time to eat supper. A
thirty the bus came for US
all except Hugh and little Mary
who spent the next day, and We
kissed our dear old loved one
/ goodby as he urged Us each to b.
3 faithful and meet him on the 9th
er side, declaring that he had /;
through ticket, but Il round
trip, as he was not coming back.
It was a splendid day for Il.
all and frequent mention wa,
made to the absent ones: Maude
who lives in St. Charles, Mo-, al
50 Marshall and Gussie Gray
nieces who had made their home
with US in childhood.
We could hardly wish our deal
father many happy returns O
the day." for he is so anxious Il
go and be at rest, and he begs us
not to want him to linger or grievt
when he is gone.
Nav his last days all be spent
in perfect peace and may the Coo
who has Sustained him tbaca 1onc