p. 10 | MY NEIGHBOR by Fanny L. Fancher

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Sep 10, 1902

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 37.

MY NEIGHBOR.

By Fanny L. Fancher

[Fanny L. Fancher, in Hopeful Treasure.]

My blessed neighbor over the way didn't wait until I was cold and lifeless clay ere she brought me her flowers. Ah, no! She dropped her morning task, gathered that lovely bouquet and hastened to place it in my living hands; and there in the vase on the table it is filling the room with incense most sweet, and my heart with joy and cheer.

Before her advent a despondency that I could scarce resist cast a gloom about me; but sight of the flowers, and thought of the giver, causes me to wonder how I could have been other than glad.

Dear readers of this true incident, may we emulate the beautiful example of my neighbor. Let us strive to brighten the sad lives of those about us with gifts of flowers and words of appreciation, remembering that the day may soon come when it will be too late.

Thy loving looks, tho full of tenderness, Thy tears of sympathy, tho they fall fast, Thy words of praise, alas! can ne'er avail In lifting shadows from a life that's passed.

And thy rarest blossoms—what can they suffice, Offered to one who can no longer gaze Upon their beauty? Flowers on caskets laid Impart no incense to departed days.