Graham guardian., 1915-05-14
GREATEST HEROINES
Are "0ur Mothers" to Whom
We Owe More than We
Can Ever Repay

am caused 10 marvel.
For great and powerful nations
have been raised up; many discov-
cries and inventions have been made;
disastrous battles have been fought
and won; praise and honor for the
leaders of these great events fill
these pages Of history.
! stop and ask the question: Truly
are these the greatest of the human
race? If not, who have won these
honOrs? And the answer echoes
back to me: No, not these, but
Our Mothers" therefore, | take
for the subject of my address:
Our Mothers" The greatest hero
inc in the world is the mother. No
one makes such sacrifices or en-
dures anything like the suffering
she uncOmplainingly endures for
her children. 1t is she who takes
the neck of the chicken that we
may have the juicy wing or leg. 1t
is she who remains home from the
concert that we may have more
money to spend. 1t is she who
crushes her desire for pretty clothes,
that her daughter may appear well.
She is up with the first in the morn
ing and retires when everyone else
in the house are asleep. No matter
how loving or thoughtful father
may be, the heavier burdens, the
greater anxieties, the weighticst re
sponsibiiities of the home, fall usual
ly upon the mother.
When we were stricken to our
beds with a contagious disease and
not one would dare come near US
for fear of contracting the terrible
maladv, who places the cold water
to our -parched lips? Who
bends over US day and night, fighting
with almost supernatural strength.
the greatest of all enemies, death.
Who places a cold hand on our
fevered brow, SmOoths our tresses
and softcns our pillow? Who sent
with almost unfaltering faith, a
prayer to God, the Father in Heaven,
20 teach us the principles of truth
and right? Oh! the same sweet an
swer, Our Mothers"
We can never show too much re-
spect for our mothers. They earned
this when they gave US our existence,
to say nothing of their care and
anxiety for us. How easy to say,
Mother, dear, | love you " A
short sentence of five simple words
But Oh! what effect it has upon Il
tired and careworn mother, when
spoken with affection. 1t lifts the
burdens of life and brings sunshine
to her soul.
A certain young man was asked
who his sweetheart was, and he an
swered with pride, my mother"
No greater evidence can a young
bride-to.be give in favor of the con-
fidence she has in her betrothed,
than these words, Because he loves
his mother, he will be good to me. "
What sad thing to see boy re-
turn home from school feeling that
he has risen above his mother, whose
labors have helped to keep him there.
Oh! what remorse when the un-
grateful son is ashamed to take his
little careWOrn and Withered faced
mother by the arm and introduce
her to his classmates and professors,
for fear her appearance will indi-
cate that he had come of humble
and lowly parentage. The first act
of Garfield, after he was inaugurated
president of the United States, was
to kiss his aged mother, who sat
near, and it was the proudest and
happiest moment of his life. He
was not ashamed to show that great
mass Of people that he loved and
respected his mother, thus show.
ing them that he gave her the credit
for his success. Few men, indeed,
have become great, who do not owe
their greatness to a mothers love
and aspiration.
Do not wait until our mothers
have passed out of existence to buy
flowers to strew on their graves,
but buy them now, while they can
see them, feel them and smell them.
Help them to enjoy their beauty.
If you live near your mother, cal
to see her often. Let her feel your
strong arm around her bent form
Let her know that you appreciate
the many sacrifices she has made
for you. If distance separates you
from her, write to her often. Tell
her what you are doing, the success
you have had, and if you feel that
she is due any of the credit for your
success, don't forget to tell her.
Lincoln said, after he became
president of the United States: All
that | am or expect to be, | owe to
my aged mother" "
How many of US have met an eX.
cursion train as it Whirled itself into
our city, carrying in its luxurious
coaches the president of our nation.
Hats are lifted, loud hurrahs fill the
air, the band peaIs forth its melodi,
Gus strains of music, while the
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