isa-normaladvance-1913-00064

Description:	64THE NORMAL ADVANCEed, Maybe you could find out somethingfrom it.But the childs knowledge of words seemedvery limited and they Were obliged to be satisfied with their own conjectures.The little thing must be hungry. Im going to get it something to eat, said Mrs. Holman, as she proceeded to the kitchen, whereshe prepared a bowl of wyarm milk and bread.Then taking the child on her lap she beganfeeding it.Is it good, baby? she asked.Iss, gurgled the child as it greedilygulped down the contents of the bowl.This operation being finished the good woman washed the child and dressed it in suchgarments as could be hastily gotten together.Then she tucked it gently into bed.All this time the farmer had been a silentspectator of the scene before him. He waspicturing to himself the times when suchscenes occurred nightly in his home and hiseyes filled with tears.Jane, he whispered, couldnt we hang upthe little mis stocking and—and fill it like—like—you know, like we ust to?The tears came to Mrs. Holmans eyes ather husbands words. Yes, Hiram, well pretend that he is our own for tonight. Wellopen the old trunk in the attic and fill hisstocking with some of those toys.Together they climbed the stairs to the atticand, for the first time in many years, openedthe old trunk, which held so many silent reminders of their little ones. Selecting thosewhich they thought would please the babymost they stole softly downstairs. As theyfilled the little stocking and hung it on themantel they experienced the first real feelingof happiness they had known since their children had been taken from them. After finishing their work they went to the bedside ofthe sleeping child. Mrs. Holmans lips quivered as she turned to her husband.I dont see how I can ever give him up ifanyone should call for him, and they surelywill.It will be hard, said her husband, but Iguess God sent him here to thaw out my frozenold heart and now thats done I reckon I, oughtnt to kick if He takes him away. Hereafter Christmas is agoin to be celebrated inthis family if there aint another livin soulkeepin it, and as long as I live Im agoin tothank God for sending me this Christmasgift.RETROSPECTIVE.If the year just spent has brought usMore of good than we have striven,Let the surplus be acknowledgedAnd accredited in Heaven For there may be days of trials,Fraught with good a small amount When well need these small excessesTo balance up our lifes account.Joseph Samuel Reed.
Source:	http://indstate.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/isuarchive/id/34509
Collection:	Indiana State University Archives

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