Simpson College - Zenith Yearbook (Indianola, IA)

Page 15 text:

for themselves. The family came together just before they started to bid them goodbye. The eldest son led his mother to the window and showed her, out in the yard, a great, white stone, and he said: “Mother, this is for you to look at when you miss us, and we want you to know that it means we are thinking about you and looking forward to our next meeting.” This was the parting gift, and for some time afterward, whenever any of the family left home, they set up a great stone for their mother to remember them by. After more prosperous times came, the children gave a different sort of present. And at last the mother’s faith has been justified. Every room in the house is furnished by the children and their friends, and they are building an addition, that they may have a better place to keep their books. They, have, moreover, great plans for the future. Throughout the home are reminders of their love. In the old living room is a fine, large clock with the names of those who gave it written on it’s case. There is also a portrait in bas-relief of one of their most beloved benefactors. In the old library is a beautiful table, a handsome bookcase and busts, presented by different members of the family. Some of the children have put their money together and bought a cabinet to put the family treasurers in, and they have written their names on its doors. Others have put their money into the bank in mother’s name. The mother, busy as she is, finds time to dictate a long newsy letter to absent loved ones every week. The children make copies, and send them to those away. But the mother has sorrow in her heart over some things. Her children, after they leave home, become more or less absorbed in their own interests, and many of them think less about home. Strange as it may seem, some of them don’t care enough about the weekly letter to send stamps in order to secure a copy. Some of them almost never write to their mother, and never visit her. She makes every excuse for them, though she can’t help feeling their neglect. But what grieves her far more is that a few of her children don’t like the way things go at home, and so they talk to each other about it and they even talk to outsiders, and they say, “Mother doesn’t manage the younger children as well as she did us; mother doesn’t do this, and mother doesn’t do that.” All these disloyalties hurt the loving heart. But she doesn’t lose faith in her children, nor does she cease to work for their interests. And as she has a great reputation for bringing up children, her influence is wide and her children have no difficulty in getting work throughout the surrounding country. The mother’s heart yearns over them. She sends them loving messages and gives them a warm welcome when they come home. Thinking sadly of those who arc indifferent to her, she has a word of loving admonition for all the children she loves. Listen, and you can hear her saying to your hearts: “Dear children, beloved Alumni, you’ve been good sons and daughters to me. I shall always miss you—but I’ve known from the first that I couldn’t keep you always. I’ve tried to bring you up right, and I’m proud of you. Love me. my children; speak well of me; do me credit; write to me; keep in touch with the home life; don’t forget to help your brothers and sisters; read the home letters; come back and see us as often as you can—and remember that Alma Mater loves you. —M. O. H.

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