Milford chronicle., 1938-03-25
UNNECESSARY FEAR
Jack wOoTEN


Poor emaciated little Tommy. He
almost went into spasms when he
saw the big dog. His mother, too
was afraid. When the canine started
barking. she did not continue on her
way home as she had intended; in
stead, with her child's trembling
hand in her own. which was little
more steady than his, she turned sud
denly and scurried into Mrs. Reeds
yard.
"Oh, mercy" she shrieked TO her
neighbOr. who was working in her
flower bed. that horrible dog almost
bit Tommy"
Mrs. Reed smiled. "Fifsy wouldn't
harm a fiea." she said. He was only
speaking TO you, Mrs. Crouch"
I'm so afraid of dogs" the mo-
ther painted. and Tommy almost has
commissions every time he sees one.
wish l had some remedy for il"
There's a very simple remedy"
Mrs. Reed put down the four-prOng
rake as she spoke. Come into the
house and let's talk il over while
Tommy plays out here in the sun
shine"
"Oh. | wouldn't think of that" Mrs.
Crouch said. Tommy isn't accus-
toned to the sun; it always gives
him fever"
Mrs. Reed sighed. Then she looked
her neighbOr squarely in the face.
I'm going to speak in a very plain
way" she said gently, but firmly.
1t isn't Gods natural sun rays that
give your boy fever. YOu have not
understood how to care for him, and
you have deprived him of some OF
natures choicest gifts TO humanity.
No wonder he is afraid of dogs. There
aren't many sound nerves in his body
10 resist fear. aud you make matters
worse by being afraid yourself. Did
you ever stop to think, Mrs. Crouch,
that Tommy is afraid because you
are afraid?"
MO-. no." the woman responded. |
1--WE always been so nervous myself
that haven't taken time to think"
Exactly" replied Mrs. Reed. i've
noticed that myself, and I've been |
longing for a good opportunity to
give you some helpful advice. I'm
so glad you came this morning. You
see," she continued. with a smile,
I've brought up four children, and /
| believe | know something about
their needs.
Tommy has the disposition of a
real boy. and if you will only give
him the chance to develop ii. he Will |
make you proud of him. But he will
find il hard to amount to anything
until You do two things: first, get
yourself into better physical condi-
ton; second. let your boy get out
and rOmp and play like other boys.
and always encourage him to be
brave instead of being fearful OF ma
ture and natures children"
"But he's so delicate" said Mrs.
Crouch. "I'm afraid--."
Don't be afraid. You must con-
uuer your own fear before you can
hope to have Tommy conquer his.
Get out in the open air yourself. and
get a nice coat of tan. Take plenty
II exercise; eat good. wholesome
food, and give Tommy the same dose
Of medicine"
The summer passed. Winter came
md went away, and spring in all its
appeared. A tramp in
he woods was now in progress, Mrs.
Crouch and Mrs. Reed walking along
,milingly watching Tommy as he
-Omped and played.
What a different child he was from
he thin little fellow who had shriek-
ID that morning at the bark VI dog
the morning his frightened mother
lad retreated into the yard Of nei-
,hbor TO find protection from harm
ess dogi How much more she had
ound.
Tommy now romped and played
With the dog. All fear was gone. His /
nerves were strengthened. Life held
nut health and happiness for the
.hild now.