Parsons High School - Panther Yearbook (Parsons, WV)

Page 12 text:

Take My Son By The Hand My son starts to school tomorrow. It's all going to be strange and new to him for awhi le, and I wish you would sort of treat him gently. You see, up to now, he's been King of the Roost. He's been boss of the backyard. I have always been around to repair his wounds and soothe his feelings. But now . . . things are going to be different. This morning he is going to walk down the front steps, wave his hand, and start on his great adventure that probably will include wars and tragedy and sorrows. To live his life in the world he has to live in, will require faith, love, and courage. So teacher, I wish you would take him by his young hand and teach him the things he will have to know. Teach him . . . But gently--if you can. He will have to learn, I know, that all men are not true. Teach him that for every scoundrel, there is a hero, that for every crooked politician there is a dedicated leader. Teach him that for every enemy there is a friend. Let him learn early that the bullies are the easiest people to lick. Teach him the wonders of books. Give him quiet time to ponder the external mystery of the birds in the sky, bees in the sun, and flowers on a green hill. Teach him that it is far more honorable to fail than to cheat. Teach him to have faith in his own ideas, even if everyone tells him they are wrong. Try to give my son strength not to follow the crowd when everyone else is getting on the bandwagon. Teach him to listen to all men, but to filter all he hears on a screen of truth and to take only the good that comes through. Teach him to sell his brawn and brains to the highest bidder, but never to put a price tag on his heart and soul. Teach him to close his ears to a howling mob, and to stand and fight, if he thinks he's right. Teach him gently, teacher. But don't coddle him, because the test of fire makes fine steel. This is a big order, teacher, but see what you can do. He's such a nice little fellow, my son.