Leon Reporter
Thursday, April 20, l922

We publish below a letter written by a fond Iowa mother and appearing in an exchange. The message it carries is, we are sorry to say not an unusual one. Hundreds of parents, unable to express themselves so forcibly on paper, would be happy indeed if youth could understand:

"I suppose you cannot realize that no matter what other folks do or do not do to make me happy it does not affect me, because I am not responsible for them. I have not tended them from babyhood, guided their steps when they were unable to go alone, molded their characters along the lines I felt were right only to find myself absolutely out of the running, opinions flouted and wishes disregarded. Some day you will know, my son--perhaps after 20 years or more of toil, sleepless nights, self-denial at a time when good clothes and good times mean more than they ever will at any other time, pain, suffering, and many other things that there are some things in this world that money cannot repay--obligations that love and consideration alone can never discharge. Then I will expect you to remember this."

"I am sure that the day will come for I can hardly believe that your self-sufficiency is anything more than a passing phase. You've made up your mind that every word I say, if of advice, is fault-finding, my friendly words of warning as to danger ahead are an interference with your right to do as you please. Would it not be a strange railroad company, that knowing the danger ahead, would feel that folks ought to be able to take care of themselves and listen; and therefore neglect to put up signs before railroad crossings? Until you get this thought through the outer crust of your self-complacency you'll never have a channel through which an understanding of the depths of my love and devotion can flow, I don't intend to tell you that I expect to love you less--because you're part of me--but as far as outward signs are concerned, it may be hard for you to realize this."

"I wish that you might know how gladly I have worked that you and F---- might be educated. And remember, Bill, there seems to be something well planned out in the scheme of things, whereby, when you were a baby and unable to conduct your life as you feel you are able now, I was the one big outstanding feature of your existence. Then there comes a time when all the strength lies in you and my turn is over. I must necessarily look to you--to your love and affection, or else I am frank to confess that my life is a failure. Instead of investing in houses and other provisions for my old age, I have put all my eggs into one basket--my investment has been in futures. Not only money, but youth and strength are invested, and you can give me back nothing of the last two. Think it over but don't talk with me about it."

Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert
*A Mother's Day Note!!!
(This remains the same throughout the generations..)