escribe what my feelings
were at the time. I felt stunned as by a heavy blow; and it seemed to me
if my mother died I certainly could not live. I had yet to learn that
grief does not kill--that is, not suddenly.

I have often since looked back to that time, and felt deeply humbled,
while thinking how little I felt resigned to the will of heaven. I could
not then, as I have since done, recognize the hand of a kind and loving
Father in the stroke. I could only feel that my mother was leaving me,
and all was darkness beyond. I now scarcely ever left my mother's room,
except when Aunt Patience would almost compel me for a short time, to
retire to my own apartment, that I might obtain a little rest. But the
thought that soon I would have no mother was ever present to my mind,
and I wished to remain with her as long as she might be spared to me.

About three weeks previous to my mother's death, Aunt Patience urgently
requested me one afternoon to retire to my own room and seek some rest,
saying I looked entirely worn out. After obtaining from her a promise
that she would not allow me to sleep too long, I complied. My room
seemed very cool and refreshing that sultry afternoon, and, lying down
upon my bed, I soon sank into a profound slumber, which continued for
three or four hours. Upon my going down stairs, I was surprised at the
lateness of the hour, and enquired of Aunt Patience why she had not
called me? She replied that as my mother had seemed quite comfortable,
she thought it best to let me enjoy a sound sleep. I persuaded Aunt
Patience to retire to rest soon after tea, as I intended watching that
night by my mother. Thus far we had ourselves been able to attend to the
wants of my mother, without assistance, as it pleased her better that
either Aunt Patience or I should attend to her; but we had lately
allowed a friend to sleep in the house, as we did not like to be left
alone. That evening, after my mother had partaken of a little light
refreshment, she seemed inclined to sleep. I took up a book and tried to
become interested in its pages. As my mother now seemed to enjoy a
peaceful slumber, I remember I thought her dreams must have been happy
ones, for I often noticed a smile upon her countenance. I think she had
slept nearly two hours, when she awoke, and requested me to give her a
drink. I supported her upon my arm as I held to her lips a glass in
which I had mixed some wine and water. Laying her gently back upon her