What is a normal childhood? We weren't rich, we were pretty middle-class. My dad survived from job to job; with read more

What is a normal childhood? We weren't rich, we were pretty middle-class. My dad survived from job to job; with him taking care of so many relatives, he couldn't save any money.

Childhood has no forebodings; but then, it is soothed by no
memories of outlived sorrow.

Childhood has no forebodings; but then, it is soothed by no
memories of outlived sorrow.

The dutifulness of children is the foundation of all virtues.
[Lat., Pietas fundamentum est omnium virtutum.]

The dutifulness of children is the foundation of all virtues.
[Lat., Pietas fundamentum est omnium virtutum.]

Diogenes struck the father when the son swore.

Diogenes struck the father when the son swore.

Women know
The way to rear up children (to be just);
They know a simple, merry, tender read more

Women know
The way to rear up children (to be just);
They know a simple, merry, tender knack
Of tying sashes, fitting baby-shoes,
And stringing pretty words that make no sense,
And kissing full sense into empty words;
Which things are corals to cut life upon,
Although such trifles.

Childhood sometimes does pay a second visit to man, youth never.

Childhood sometimes does pay a second visit to man, youth never.

When the lessons and tasks are all ended,
And the school for the day is dismissed,
The read more

When the lessons and tasks are all ended,
And the school for the day is dismissed,
The little one gather around me,
To bid me good-night and be kissed;
On, the little white arms that encircle
My neck in their tender embrace
Oh, the smiles that are halos of heaven,
Shedding sunshine of love on my face.

There is always one moment in childhood when the door opens and lets the future in.

There is always one moment in childhood when the door opens and lets the future in.

They are idols of hearts and of households;
They are angels of God in disguise;
His sunlight read more

They are idols of hearts and of households;
They are angels of God in disguise;
His sunlight still sleeps in their tresses,
His glory still gleams in their eyes;
Those truants from home and from Heaven
They have made me more manly and mild;
And I know now how Jesus could liken
The kingdom of God to a child.