Beth could not reason upon or explain the faith that gave her courage and patience to give up life, and cheerfully wait for death. Like a confiding child, she asked no questions, but left everything to God and nature, Father and Mother of us all, feeling sure that they, and they only, could teach and strengthen heart and spirit for this life and the life to come.

So she enjoyed herself heartily, and found, what isn't always the case, that her granted wish was all she had hoped.

…that's what old people are here for, — else their experience is of little use.

Preserve your memories, keep them well, what you forget you can never retell.

Father asked us what was God's noblest work. Anna said men, but I said babies. Men are often bad, but babies never are.

Your father, Jo. He never loses patience, never doubts or complains, but always hopes, and works and waits so cheerfully that one is ashamed to do otherwise before him.

I am angry nearly every day of my life, but I have learned not to show it; and I still try to hope not to feel it, though it may take me another forty years to do it.