A MOTHER'S LOVE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2677, 5 July 1905, Page 76

A MOTHER'S LOVE.

(Being a paper read before the Invercargill D.L.F. Literary and Debating Society's meeting by Maidie M.) 'Tis hard, indeed, to express the depth and feeling of a mother's love; it should^ be reverenced above all things on earth. 'Tis she who shares in our joys and sorrows, from the .tiny loddler to the grown inaji and woman. How I envy those fortunate girls with a mother's loving care and guidance. Their lives must indeed be blessed — always someone to confide in, and one whose sympathy we arc sure to gain. How a mother helps one out of the little difficulties and troubles we erring mortals seem to be continually falling into. You who have a mother, and appreciate her as you ought to do, can never imagine how hard it is for those who do not enjoy that guiding care and thoughtful solicitude. Of course, there are exceptional mothers, who have no interest in common with their children; but, ah! that, indeed, is an odd one. An unnatural mother is one whom we very rarely hear of, but, on the other hand, unnatural children we occasionally meet, who seem to think their mothers are there for their convenience alone. For instance, we often hear the strong and healthy girl (when feeling it convenient to shirk some little duty that should fall to herself) saying, "Oh, let mother do it; she won't mind!" No, girls, mother doesn't mind, but how thoughtful she would think it of you if you tried to do all in yoiir power to make her happy, and did not neglect the little duties of your* evers -day life. If we only knew all the worries and troubles of mother! J really think we would be much more considerate if we thought of all the little anxieties she has for out welfare. Mother's continual care is her children. Well, comrades, if I had a mother I would be able to tell you more fully and much more creditably of a mother's love, but I am only going by what 1 see in everyday life. My own mother I lost many years ago, but her sweet influence I never will forget. Very dear friends may turn against us, brother or sister, even husband or wife, but a mother, never. You who have a mother, cherish her whne you may, for in after years, when you visit the little grassy plot you will hold so dear, surely you will say, "Here lies the best and dearest friend God ever bequeathed to man. You will fully realise what you have lost when she has gone. There is a shadow o'er your life which time can never efface. In my opinion there is nothing to compare with, nothing so sincere and beautiful a®, a mother s l0Ve " MAIDIE M.