Making Others Happy
It was examination day at Bert’s school. Some of the mothers and aunts sat in chairs behind the teacher’s table. And Bert’s grandma was there, too, with her beautiful, gray hair that Bert liked so much. Then there were the school committee members, Dr. Bell and Mr. White. Of course, all the children wanted to be perfect in reading and spelling that day, if they never were before. When it was all over, Dr. Bell told the children that he thought they must have had a very happy time in school, because they had learned their lessons so well.
“And now,” he said, “I hope you will all have a very happy vacation. How can you do it? What will make you happy, boys and girls?”
Up went the hands—one, two, three, four, five.
“That little girl may tell me,” said Dr. Bell.
“Play,” said Mabel.
“And what do you say, Robbie?”
“Go berrying,” answered Robbie, with a little smack of his lips.
And so one after another answered. Some said “Play,” some “Swing,” “Work in the garden,” “Go to Grandma’s,” and many other answers.
After a bit, Dr. Bell saw Bert’s hand come up. “Well, Bert, what are you going to do to be happy?” he asked.
Bert’s eyes twinkled, and his face laughed all over as he said, “Make other ones happy.”
“Yes, yes,” said Dr. Bell. “I like Bert’s plan best of all. I like to see children enjoy their play, and their gardens, and swings, and berry picking. But, wherever you are, boys and girls, whatever else you do, the thing that will be most sure to make the vacation happy is to try to make other people happy, forgetting all about yourself. Let me tell you about one of the happiest families I know.
“In the morning Nell and Daisy help their mamma, or smooth her forehead when she has a headache. Sometimes they try to do a little sewing for her, though they don’t know how very well. Even little Harry will run to the kitchen with a message for Bridget. Then, when mamma tells them they may go out to play, the girls take their brothers, too; and many times they give up playing what they would like themselves, so that they may please the little boys.
“Their mother is often sick, so I have become quite well acquainted with the children in my visits; and they are such happy children that I often wish all boys and girls knew how happy they might be if they would follow the same plan. Bert has thought it out, you see, and if he and all the rest of you boys and girls only try, this vacation, to make others happy, I know I shall have my wish. What was it I wished you, children?”
“A happy vacation,” they answered.
“Yes,” said the doctor, “and how can you be happy?”
“Make others happy,” they said again.
And I hope they all remembered.