The potters herald. [volume] (East Liverpool, Ohio) 1899-1982, 1940-01-11
CULTIVATED
APPRECIATION
HILDA RICHMOND

A cousin who had dropped in for a
short call, volunteered, on leaving, to
deliver messages, parcels or even the
twins, to their grandmother in the
town to which she was going. Of
course the hostess availed herself Of
the privilege of sending to her mother
words Of encouragement and greeting,
but she said the children would not
be able to go on account Of school.
However, the twins had some gifts
for their dear grandmother and would
be much pleased to have chance to
send them.
The visitor was inclined to smiles
when she saw the array of gifts; a
small bag of candy, a rather forlorn
geranium in pot, ring from the
ten-cent store, new lead pencil and
various other trifes representing
small sums which the visitor knew had
been hard to save up. When the
children went out to fill basket with
apples to add to the collection, the
guest asked if the mother did not
think it little too exacting to require
her children to give when giving was
really a sacrifice. No doubt Dottie
would enjoy the candy, and the new
pencil would be what Don would need
in school, but there they were, going
to person who probably would not
value them at all except as coming
from dear grandchildren.
eyes, she will value them," answer
ed her cousin, "and she'll eat the
candy and write Dottie how much she
enjoyed it. You see she brought up
her flock both to enjoy giving and to
show appreciation for favors received,
and Pm trying to follow in her foot
steps. Pm so glad she taught US to
give Of what we had and to say what
we could say, though in a childish
way, to express either sympathy, well
come or thankfulness, for those less
ons cling"
"But children learn those things
later in life so why not let them feel
free from all obligation now? queried
the guest. 81 write 'thank-you' notes
at Christmas and birthdays for my
three children and provide the gifts
for them to send to their grandparents
and others. l get suitable and beauti-
full things that 1 know the relatives
will like and can use. 1t seems to me
a waste of money to let children do
their own choosing, particularly when
money is not plentiful as happens to
be the case just now."
| Before the hostess could answer the
visitor had her reply in the words and
actions of the perspiring twins tug
ging the basket Of apples between
them "Please tell Grandmother that
we picked these apples all ourselves,
and tell her we thank her for the good
things she sent us last week." said
the putting Don. "Yes, and tell her l
earned the pennies myself for the pen
Gil by sweeping the walk and running
errands."
"And please tell her thank YOU for
me-" added Dottie. "The candy is
from me. It's awful good. Tell her l
didn't take single piece out of the
bag. And the very first letter write
when l learn how in school is to be
for Grandfather and Grandmother.
Please don't forget that!'
"And did you have a good time get
ting these things ready?" asked the
visitor
"Of course" cried the youngsters.
ave like to do things for Grandfather
and Grandmother"
The visitor helped load the things
into the automobile and over the child
ren's heads she said, "Well, Mary, l
have always tried to appreciate and
share my blessings, but l have never
tried to teach my children these
things. But it isn't too late to begin.
I see that have cheated them out of
something very precious and enjoy
able-but live and learn. Goodbye
children! think your gifts are very,
very nice, and I'll remember to give
all the messages you are sending"