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ISSUE # 6 October, 2013
CLASSIMAG “Where Everyone Gets to Know You !”
AUTO
IN THIS ISSUE Kaiteur
The Beckoning
Jet Lag
How to cope with it
Healthier Hair Honey The Wonder Drug
Whiter Teeth How to Get Them
Safety Rules For Parents
Stubborn Belly Fat Pure Innocence Rude Awakening
Drips of Knowledge Lemons
Health Benefits
Fathers Forget
ELECTRONICS
HEALTH
MONEY
PERSONALS
PROPERTY
RENTALS
TRAVEL
Welcome
Design & Layout
Hello My Special Readers!
I
’m elated to be back! Our October Edition 2013 is now available. Despite our challenges we are excited to present to you another superb edition of ClassiMag!
Marketing and Sales Vickram Singh Vanie Beepat
classimag@gmail.com (592) 650 -7911, 646 -4469
I thank you for your patience and loyal support. I’m very grateful to my wonderful advertisers who have given me this opportunity to yet again, provide a product that is not only of great quality, but with editorial content that is
enlightening as it is inspiring.
Vanie Beepat
© All Rights Reserved 2013
On The Cover
Please enjoy this issue put together especially with you in mind. This classified magazine remains free of cost and could be picked up from any of the advertiser featured in this book. Remember, If you would like to contribute an article or picture, kindly call or email me. The information is below.
Warmest,
Vanie Beepat.
Published By:
ClassiMag Guyana
Publisher & Chief Editor Vickram Singh
Assistant Editor Vani Beepat
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The Beckoning of
Kaieteur
I
inhaled deeply. The Sunday noon breeze embraced me with some reassurance, I graciously gulped it up. I wasn’t feeling my usual enthusiastic self. I honestly didn’t even try to imagine what it would be like. The tiny aircraft did little justice to boost my excitement and conquer any fears my mind had conceived. An ocean of fascination consumed me when I first saw the aerial view of Georgetown. I was simply amazed at our city and the surrounding regions. I giggled surreptitiously at how minute the vast Harbour Bridge appeared and I was blown away when I saw the never-ending lush green forests. It was amazing how little of Guyana was really occupied.
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After approximately an hour, the pilot benignly announced that we were ten minutes away from our destination. I sought comfort in his compassionate eyes as he turned around and administered a sincere glance. He had realized that it was my first experience with such a tiny aircraft and he tried to be as accommodating as possible. I was unable to contain my astonishment when I first saw the majestic Kaieteur Falls. It was truly breath-taking as the water roared and gushed from the Potaro River. Kaietuer appeared to be a wild beast nestled amongst protective vegetation. As our tour guide led us toward the fall I was flabbergasted by the serenity of the environment. It was truly nature at its best. I reveled in gathering the tiny rocks and playing with the impeccable black water.
My first experience walking through the jungle-like track leading towards the falls was perhaps the best. Despite spending most of my life in the country, this was the closest to nature I had ever been. My excitement was stronger than my fear as we walked through the gigantic trees and lush vegetation. The orchids were plentiful and gorgeous. As we neared the fall, there were numerous smaller streams where the lucid black water trickled over the rocks. I couldn’t resist from stopping to soak my hands. Suddenly and without prior warning the fall jumped out at us! It was a thrilling experience. I stood for a few seconds petrified. I soaked in the fresh air and the mighty roar over-powered the sound of my friends’ excitement. I stared wide-eyed at the giant that others only dreamt of seeing and read stories about. 741 feet….it was a bit surreal as I was only used to seeing it in magazines and on television. I couldn’t recall witnessing anything more beautiful and magical in my life.
It was ironic how dreamlike it was despite being the heart and soul of nature. I had never felt as blessed as I did that moment. To live in such a beautiful country and be able to share that moment with my friends was invaluable. As my friends anxiously captured all angles of the falls, I cautiously peered downwards. I could see the mist evaporating rapidly, emitting a heavenly aura. I was genuinely happy. Our tour guided graciously multi tasked as our camera man as we took so many shots of this magnificent site. We spent over two hours just taking pictures and playing with the water and admiring the mountainous regions. I admired my audacious friends who climbed on rocks that were below to take better pictures and it had just finished raining!
We were allowed to soak our feet and play in the water. It was amazing! The massive Potaro River slivering downwards and then its abrupt drop surrounded by endless vegetation and mountains was so alluring. It was perhaps one of the best experiences in my life and something I’d love to do again. My only struggle was walking back towards the air craft as it sapped the energy out of me. Now I can’t wait to further explore my beautiful country…………!! 7 / ClassiMag
How to Cope with
F
Jet Lag
or the consistent tavellers out there, despite you look forward to boarding that plane and arriving at your destination whether its family, business, health or pleasure related, you are reminded of one tiny thing that stops you in your tracks! Yes, Jet Lag! The thought it of annoys the life out of you as you know it’s inevitable. Why Jet Lag Happens All of us have an internal timekeeping system (known as our circadian rhythm). This “clock,” is controlled by the hypothalamus, a small piece of our lower brain. The hypothalamus works with our eyes to determine what time of day it is and, based on the light it sees, will secrete hormones to either help us sleep, or stay awake. When we fly across a time zone, the amount of light our eyes take in changes. That causes the hypothalamus to get disoriented. As a result, it may start secreting sleep hormones when it would normally secrete hormones to keep us awake. That weird shift can make your body feel confused and out of sorts, a feeling known as jet lag.
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Signs And Symptoms
One of the most common symptoms of jet lag is feeling like everything is happening at the wrong time. You’re hungry when you normally wouldn’t be. Bedtime seems too early (or late). And you’re awake when you shouldn’t be. Other signs include: • Difficulty concentrating or mild confusion • Irritability • Nausea or an upset stomach • Runny nose • Aching muscles • Headache
Tips For Preventing Jet Lag
1. Prepare For The New Time Zone If you know you’ll be crossing a time zone, start shifting your sleep/awake schedule before you hop on the plane. Go to bed a little earlier or later, depending on how many hours you’ll be losing or gaining. This will make the time zone transition easier. 2. Get Outside Recent studies suggest getting natural light after landing on a cross-time zone
flight will help stimulate your body to secrete more of the “awake” hormone, so you’ll feel less tired than if you hung out inside. 3. Drink Water Dehydration is a common side effect of flying (largely because of the change in air pressure and because plane air is recycled). The problem? Dehydration can enhance feelings of sluggishness. So drink lots of water before, during and after a flight. 4. Avoid Alcohol Or Caffeinated Drinks These diuretics will not only enhance feelings of dehydration, they will also make it harder for your hypothalamus to figure out what time of day it is. 5. Nap Napping whenever you feel sleepy (even if it’s only for 15 minutes) will give your body the rest it needs to cope with a time change and will give you a burst of energy (probably when you need it most).
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Eat Your Way to
Y
Healthier Hair
our diet has a tremendous impact on your overall health. You can improve your general appearance by the food you consume. You can improve the texture, shine, and growth of your hair fundamentally as well. Your hair and nail are essentially waste products of the body and are fostered by a substantial intake of protein. I was delighted when I came across several foods that can assist with healthy hair. Below I have listed them for you:
A is necessary for cell growth, including your hair! A vitamin A deficiency often results in dull, dry skin... which then flakes off of your scalp as dandruff. Dark green veggies Another reason you need to eat those veggies. If you aren’t going to eat veggies for your health, at least do it for your hair! Green things cabbage, calaloo and even brocoli are all major
sources of vitamins A and C. These vitamins help produce sebum, scalp oil that acts as a natural hair conditioner.
Poultry
This popular answer to “what’s for dinner?” is also the answer to “how can I improve the strength of my hair?” Chicken is full of protein, zinc, iron and B vitamins to keep your locks full and strong.
Eggs
Perhaps the most versatile food on this list, there are countless ways you can work eggs into your healthy-hair diet. Eggs are rich in biotin, which is a B vitamin essential for scalp health and hair growth. Eggs are also high in iron, which carries oxygen to the hair follicles. Have an egg with breakfast a few times a week, and you’ll be on your way to fuller, stronger hair in no time.
Nuts
Almonds, cashews and walnuts all contain zinc, which minimizes hair shedding. Walnuts also contain a high level of omega-3 fatty acid, which helps boost shine and fullness.
Bright-colored fruits
Bold fruit equals better hair! Mango, pineapple and oranges are all rich with vitamin C, an essential for making collagen that gives structure to hair. Plus, they taste amazing.
Sweet potatoes
Let’s talk beta carotene here. This antioxidant vitamin is converted to vitamin A once in the body. And vitamin 10 / ClassiMag
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Honey
The Wonder Drug
B
et you had no clue that the honey you have sitting on your shelf for months now has so many health benefits. Honey could simply be called natural wonder drug with its numerous benefits. Raw honey in particular, which has not been pasteurized or filtered, and ideally taken directly from the hive – is a treasure chest of nutritional value and medicinal remedies. It contains an abundance of vitamins and minerals and is a natural and powerful medicine, both internally and externally. Below are some common uses of this wonder element of nature. BURNS - Apply freely over burns. It cools, removes pain and aids fast healing without scarring
is highly stimulating with no food qualities. Honey provides the energy without the “spike.” NASAL CONGESTION - Place a dessertspoon of honey in a basin of water and inhale fumes after covering your head with a towel over the basin. Very effective! FATIGUE - Dissolve a dessertspoon of honey in warm water or quarter honey balance of water in a jug and keep in the fridge. Honey is primarily fructose and glucose, so it’s quickly absorbed by the digestive system. Honey is a unique natural stabilizer.
INSOMNIA - A dessertspoon of honey in a mug of warm milk aids sleep and works wonders.
FACIAL DEEP CLEANSER - Mix honey with an equal quantity of oatmeal, and apply as a face pack. Leave on for half an hour, then wash it off. Great as a deep cleanser for acne and other unwanted blemishes.
HYPERACTIVITY - Replace all use of white sugar with honey. White sugar
HAIR CONDITIONER - Mix honey with an equal quantity of olive oil, cover
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head with a warm tower for half an hour then shampoo off. Feeds hair and scalp. Your hair will never look or feel better! SORE THROATS - Let a teaspoon of honey melt in the back of the mouth and trickle down the throat. Eases inflamed raw tissues. ANEMIA - Honey is the best blood enricher by raising corpuscle content. The darker the honey, the more minerals it contains. LONGEVITY - The most long-lived people in the world are all regular users of honey. An interesting fact, yet to be explained, is that beekeepers suffer less from cancer and arthritis than any other occupational group worldwide. COUGH MIXTURE – Combine 6 ounces (170 grams) liquid honey, 2 ounces (55 grams) glycerin and the juice of two lemons. Mix well. Bottle and cork firmly, and use as required. ClassiMag / 13
Visit Your Dentist Schedule an appointment for cleaning every six months. If you have the extra cash to spend, consider professional whitening methods. If you have no money to spend on your teeth, free cleaning is available at public hospitals. Stain Proof Your Diet Take it easy on coffee, tea, cola, grape juice, red wine, turmeric and curry. When eating or drinking these foods, use a straw and brush your teeth immediately when you are finished with your meal. Also avoid acidic foods. They erode tooth enamel, which allows your teeth to become easily stained. Quit Smoking Smoking not only causes lung cancer and other diseases, the tobacco in cigarettes also stains your teeth. Put the cigarettes (cigars and chewing tobacco too!) down for good.
The Best Ways to Help Your
Teeth Look Whiter
A
s soon as you open your mouth, the first thing people notice is your teeth and nothing could be more humiliating or shred your selfesteem than discoloured teeth. Not to worry, you are not the only one with this plight. Below are a few ways you
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can help improve the appearance of your teeth. Brush Twice A Day Brush your teeth morning and night, every day without fail. Use whitening toothpaste on a regular basis and be sure to floss..
Wear Silver Jewellery Yellow gold makes your teeth look more yellow. Instead wear silver or white gold jewellery to make your teeth appear whiter. Pick The Right Lipstick Choose true red lipsticks or those with blue undertones to make your teeth look their best and brightest. Lipsticks with coral, orange or yellow tones can make your teeth look yellow too.
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Safety Rules
Y
Every Parent Should Follow
ou never quite understand the importance of a child’s safety until you become a parent yourself. Because babies and children do not possess the knowledge to tell what’s good and bad for them, we must always ensure that we take necessary precautions and steps to ensure their safety all time. Below are a few safety rules we should consider: 1. Store medications properly. Store medications out of reach and sight to prevent accidental ingestions. 2. Choose appropriate toys. Choose age-appropriate toys to reduce the risk of injury to your child. 3. Clean toys without harsh chemicals. Clean children’s toys naturally to prevent the spread of germs and decrease risks associated with toxic cleaners. 4. Store cleaners away from kids. Store toxic chemicals and cleaners out of the reach and sight of children to prevent accidental poisoning and chemical burns. 5. Create a safe sleep space. It can be tempting to fall asleep with your baby on the sofa, but you shouldn’t. Doing so poses a suffocation risk to your baby. 6. Use bed rails. You can keep toddlers and young children from
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falling out of bed by using the appropriate bed rails. 7. Use the right car seat. Be sure your child is in the right car seat for his weight and height and that the seat fits properly in your car. 8. Don’t offer food during car trips. The safest way for children to eat is to eat while doing nothing else. Monitoring a child who is eating in the back seat is impossible. 9. Empty standing water. Toddlers and young children can drown in just a few inches of water. Since toddlers are top heavy, they can easily fall into things like buckets or toilets.
10. Use caution with kiddie pools. Kiddie pools hold enough water for a young child to drown in, so children should be constantly supervised when they’re in and around them. 11. Enforce hand washing before and after eating. Hand washing can prevent the spread of illness and help keep kids healthy, especially during flu season. 12. Recognize the signs of an allergic reaction. Parents should pay close attention when offering foods and be familiar with the signs of allergic reactions.
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Getting Rid of
Stubborn Belly Fat You can also include natural fruit juices along with water to keep you hydrated.
Walk It Out Cardiovascular exercises are extremely important for burning unnecessary calories and losing out the belly fat. However, you do not have to run for miles to lose those calories. A simple walk to the market or workplace is a great way to keep the fat from collecting on your tummy. Further, this acts as a great exercise for keeping you in shape and energized for the whole day.
Eat A Low-Fat Diet Poor diet and lack of exercise are the only two reasons that result in accumulation of fat in the stomach. Your diet should comprise of high fiber fruits and vegetables such as bananas, oranges, raisins, avocado, cabbage, carrot, sweet corn and tomatoes. Include loads of low-fat proteins, like chicken breast, and complex carbohydrates, such as brown rice, whole wheat, green leafy vegetables and legumes as well. In addition, eliminate fried foods, fast food, red meats, and processed foods from your diet for quicker results.
Exercise Performing simple stomach crunches will not help you in getting rid of the fat on your belly. You will have to include upper crunches, lower crunches, sit-ups, leg raises, and oblique abdominal exercises in your exercise regimen, along with these crunches. Alternatively, you can also indulge in
swimming a number of times every week. This works on your entire body towards losing stomach fat as it builds cardiovascular fitness and works on the muscles in the abdomen. Other cardiovascular exercises that you can indulge yourself are jogging, running, and aerobics.
Avoid Skipping Meals Skipping meals has never helped in losing weight, instead, it is a gateway for severe problems in the future. It causes a drop in the metabolic rate which, in turn, is a major reason behind burning lesser calories. Thus, to keep your body in the continuous process of burning fat, stay metabolized by eating the right fat burning foods. You do not have to be a genius to get a flat stomach. The right kind of expertise, motivation, and persistence will help you burn those calories in your tummy and flaunt a slim waistline in no time!
The Dead Cat
Pure Innocence…
A nursery pupil told his teacher he’d found a cat, but it was dead. “ How did you know that the cat was dead” she asked him. “ Because I pissed in its ear and it didn’t move,” answered the child innocently. “You did WHAT?!!” The teacher exclaimed in surprise. “You know,” explained the boy, “I leaned over and went ‘Pssst!’ and it didn’t move.”
Where Poo comes from
A little girl walks in to the lounge one Sunday morning where her Daddy is reading the paper. “Where does poo come from?” she asks. Father feeling a little perturbed that his 5 year old daughter is already asking difficult questions thinks for a moment and says:
“Well you know we just ate breakfast?” “Yes,” answers the girl. “Well the food goes into our tummies and our bodies take out all the good stuff, and then whatever is left over comes out of our bottoms when we go to the toilet, and that is poo.”
fact, we placed an order for it a couple of weeks ago.” Then the manager drew the clerk aside and growled, “Never, never, never, never say we don’t have something. If we don’t have it, say we ordered it and it’s on its way.
The little girl looks perplexed, and stares at him in stunned silence for a few seconds and asks: “And Tigger?”
Now, what was it she wanted?” The clerk answered, “Snow.”
We Haven’t Had Any
A store manager overheard a clerk saying to a customer, “No, ma’am, we haven’t had any for some weeks now, and it doesn’t look as if we’ll be getting any soon.” Alarmed, the manager rushed over to the customer who was walking out the door and said, “That isn’t true, ma’am. Of course, we’ll have some soon. In
Drink Water The more water you drink, the faster you will be able to get rid of your belly fat. With insufficient supply of water to the body, the liver, which is highly an important organ for burning fat, starts functioning slowly. As such, if the liver does not function towards burning fat, the body starts building up fat, thereby resulting in weight gain on the belly. ClassiMag / 18
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Worth Reading–Rude Awakening One day all the employees reached the office and they saw a big notice on the door on which was written: ‘Yesterday the person who has been hindering your growth in this company passed away. We invite you to join the funeral in the room that has been prepared in the gym’. In the beginning, they all got sad for the death of one of their colleagues, but after a while they started getting curious to know who was that man who hindered the growth of his colleagues and the company itself. The excitement in the gym was such that security agents were ordered to control the crowd within the room. The more people reached the coffin, the more the excitement heated up.
Everyone thought: “Who is this guy who was hindering my progress? Well, at least he died!” One by one the thrilled employees got closer to the coffin, and when they looked inside it they suddenly became speechless. They stood nearby the coffin, shocked and in silence, as if someone had touched the deepest part of their soul. There was a mirror inside the coffin: everyone who looked inside it could see himself. There was also a sign next to the mirror that said: ‘There is only one person who is capable to set limits to your growth: it is YOU. You are the only person who can revolutionize your life. You are the only person who can influence your happiness, your realization and
your success. You are the only person who can help yourself. Your life does not change when your boss changes, when your friends change! When your parents change, when your partner changes, when your company changes. Your life changes when YOU change, when you go beyond your limiting beliefs, when you realize that you are the only one responsible for your life. ‘The most important relationship you can have is the one you have with yourself’ Examine yourself, watch yourself. Don’t be afraid of difficulties, impossibilities and losses: be a winner, build yourself and your reality. It’s the way you face Life that makes the difference. http://pjpramod.blogspot.com
Drips of Knowledge
1. 2013 is the first year since 1987 that consists of four different digits. 2. Costa Rica is statistically the happiest nation on Earth. 3. For someone, somewhere in the world, today is the most amazing day of their life. 4. Ceylon became a republic in 1972 and changed its name to Sri Lanka, which means “splendid thing.” 5. Stockholm, Sweden, is the home of the Nobel Prize , which is awarded yearly to people who have made extraordinary contributions to world peace, the sciences, literature, and medicine. The Nobel Peace Prize is presented in Oslo, Norway. 6. Chewing Gum: The sapodilla tree of Central America is the source of chicle, which is what puts the chew in chewing gum. 7. Vanilla: There wouldn’t be vanilla ice cream without the vanilla bean. ClassiMag / 20
More than half the world’s vanilla is grown in Madagascar. 8. Queen Elizabeth II is also the Sovereign of 15 countries in the Commonwealth of Nations: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu. 9. Panama Canal. It took 34 years to create this 50-mile-long canal across the Isthmus of Panama. The amount of digging required and the size of its locks helped make it the most expensive project in American history at that time— and the most deadly: About 80,000 people died during construction (most from disease) 10. Blinking protects our eyes from foreign objects, sweeps up dirt that gets in our eyes and lubricates
our eyes by spreading tears across the surface. Don’t you think that is a lot to accomplish in the “blink of an eye”? 11. Homo sapiens means “wise humans.” We are Homo sapiens and first lived on earth about 100,000 years ago. By 33000 B.C.we were the dominant species, living everywhere but in North and South America. We look different from our ancestors because of our smaller teeth, flat foreheads, straight faces, and rounded heads. We were the first of the earth’s inhabitants to communicate through art, the spoken word, and religion. 12. Up until 1994 the Olympics were held every four years. Since then, the Winter and Summer games have alternated every two years. 13. Human beings more muscles to frown and less to smile! Go figure… it’s easier to smile!
Health Benefits of Lemons Here is a list I have compiled from numerous articles with ideas on how you can use this fruit to improve your health! DETOXIFICATION Fresh lemon juice added to a large glass of water in the morning is a great liver detoxifier and cleanses the kidneys and the digestive system. It helps the body in the removal of toxins and provides you with a great overall detox. WEIGHT LOSS Adding lemons to your water can make you feel fuller as well as reduce the development of Type 2 Diabetes. Lemons contain pectin, a soluble fiber that has been shown to help with weight loss. Also, lemons can literally slow down the absorption of sugar into the body. FEVER Lemon juice can treat a person who is suffering from cold, flu or fever. It helps to break fever by increasing perspiration. To ease the symptoms of fever and the chills: add the juice of 1 lemon to a cup of hot water with honey and drink every 2 hours until the fever or chill subsides.
vitamin C as you can so that the virus is eliminated before it gets a chance to take hold. Drink the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon in a glass of lukewarm water every 2 hours.If you have a sore throat, add the juice of 1 lemon and 1 teaspoon of sea salt to 1 cup lukewarm water. Gargle three times a day for 1 minute. You can swallow the juice when you have finished gargling thereby benefiting from an immuneboosting vitamin C shot. HALITOSIS Ironically, lemons can help freshen breath that has gone “sour”. To keep breath fresh, thoroughly rinse your mouth with the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon in a glass of lukewarm water. PAIN RELIEF It is believed that lemons have painrelieving qualities. The fragrant volatile oils help relax blood vessels and produce an anti-inflammatory effect.
Tired of aches and pains associated with arthritis and inflammation? Try lemons for a great home remedy. Combine 1-2 oz. of lemon juice and 6 oz. of water. Drink several times a day, at least one hour prior to meals and before bed. Or….try squeezing three to four lemons and mixing in two to three tablespoons of honey into a small bowl. Next, microwave the bowl for up to 30 second, or until the mixture is hot. Take a small towel and dip it into the bowl. Apply the towel to the sore area and enjoy its soothing relief OSTEOPOROSIS Lemon juice is rich in Vitamin C and helps the body to absorb calcium and fight osteoporosis. It also contains calcium and magnesium, as well as potassium. Potassium supports bone health by neutralizing metabolic acids, thus conserving the body’s calcium stores. It also reduces calcium loss through urine.
DENTAL CARE Lemon juice is used in dental care also. If fresh lemon juice is applied on the areas of toothache, it can assist in getting rid of the pain. The massages of lemon juice on gums can stop gum bleeding. It gives relief from bad smell and other problems related to gums. COLD AND FLU Lemons are rich in vitamin C and flavonoids that work against infections like the flu and colds.At the first indication of a cold, try to give your body as much immune-boosting 21 / ClassiMag
Timeless Message for Parents
L
Father Forgets
isten, son; I am saying this as you lie asleep, one little paw crumpled under your cheek and the blond curls stickily wet on your damp forehead. I have stolen into your room alone. Just a few minutes ago, as I sat reading my paper in the library, a stifling wave of remorse swept over me. Guiltily I came to your bedside. There are things I was thinking, son: I had been cross to you. I scolded you as you were dressing for school because you gave your face merely a dab with a towel. I took you to task for not cleaning your shoes. I called out angrily when you threw some of your things on the floor. At breakfast I found fault, too. You spilled things. You gulped down your food. You put your elbows on the table. You spread butter too thick on your bread. And as you started off to play and I made for my train, you turned and waved a hand and called, “Goodbye, Daddy!” and I frowned, and said in reply, “Hold your shoulders back!” Then it began all over again in the late afternoon. As I came up the road, I spied you, down on your knees, playing marbles. There were holes in your stockings. I humiliated you before you boyfriends by marching you ahead of me to the house. Stockings were expensive - and if you had to buy them you would be more careful! Imagine that, son, form a father! Do you remember, later, when I was reading in the library, how you came in timidly, with a sort of hurt look in your eyes? When I glanced up over my paper, impatient at the interruption, you hesitated at the door. “What is it you want?” I snapped.
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by W. Livingston Larned
You said nothing, but ran across in one tempestuous plunge, and threw your arms around my neck and kissed me, and your small arms tightened with an affection that God had set blooming in your heart and which even neglect could not wither. And then you were gone, pattering up the stairs. Well, son, it was shortly afterwards that my paper slipped from my hands and a terrible sickening fear came over me. What has habit been doing to me? The habit of finding fault, of reprimanding - this was my reward to you for being a boy. It was not that I did not love you; it was that I expected too much of youth. I was measuring you by the yardstick of my own years. And there was so much that was good and fine and true in your character. The little heart of yours was as big as the dawn itself over the wide hills. This was shown by your spontaneous
impulse to rush in and kiss me good night. Nothing else matters tonight, son. I have come to your bedside in the darkness, and I have knelt there, ashamed! It is a feeble atonement; I know you would not understand these things if I told them to you during your waking hours. But tomorrow I will be a real daddy! I will chum with you, and suffer when you suffer, and laugh when you laugh. I will bite my tongue when impatient words come. I will keep saying as if it were a ritual: “He is nothing buy a boy - a little boy!” I am afraid I have visualized you as a man. Yet as I see you now, son, crumpled and weary in your cot, I see that you are still a baby. Yesterday you were in your mother’s arms, your head on her shoulder. I have asked too much, too much.