There is a magic in the little word "home". It is a mystic circle that surrounds comforts and virtues; never known beyond its hallowed limits.
The home is a place that should be cherished by all. Mother, Home, Heaven are the most beautiful words in the English language, and truly, I think they may well be called so. What word strikes so forcibly upon the heart as "Mother", coming from the lips of dear children. It has a peculiar charm for in her, they look for that protection which no other can give. A mother is the truest friend we have when trials overtake us. She is ever ready to shield and protect us; and we cling to her and by her kind precepts and council. The clouds of darkness disappear and cause joy and peace to return to our hearts.
Mother is indeed a sweet name, and her station is indeed a holy one; for in her hands are placed minds to be moulded, almost at her will. And if taught aright will shine with dazzling splendor in the world to come.
Home is the dearest spot on earth. How often we hear people talk of the happy days spent in their childhoods happy home, beneath the parental roof, when their young and happy hearts were light and free. What a blessing it is, when weary with care, and burdened with sorrow, to have a home to which we can go and there in the midst of friends we love, forget our troubles and dwell in peace and quietness.
Heaven is the home that awaits us beyond the grave. There, the friendships formed on earth shall never more be broken. Parted friends and dear ones shall meet again, never more to be separated. There, we shall have an eternal home and never more be parted.
Maggie Ericksen Peel, her husband Azel and her four girls
L to R: Alice Peel Hafen, Maggie Ericksen Peel, Azel Peel, Margaret Peel Childs, Lois Peel, Smith and Barbara Peel Tuttle
