Life to me then seemed darker than the midnight storm that raged for
three days upon the deep, dark waters. I was weak from sorrow, but
realized that though the life that was dearest to me had gone, yet there
were others out on the dark and treacherous waters who needed to catch
the rays of the shining light from my light-house tower. Nothing could
rouse me but that thought, then all my life and energy was given to the
work which now seemed was given me to do. The light-house was the only
home I had and I was glad and willing to do my best in the service. My
appointment came in a few weeks after, and since that time I have tried
faithfully to perform my duty as a light keeper. At first I felt almost
afraid to assume so great a responsibility, knowing it all required
watchful care and strength, with many sleepless nights. I now felt a
deeper interest in our sailors' lives than ever before, and I longed to
do something for humanity's sake, as well as earn my own living, having
an aged mother dependent upon me for a home. My father had passed
beyond. Sorrows came thick and fast upon me. Two brothers and three
nephews had found graves beneath the deep waters, but mine was not the
only sorrow. Others around me were losing their loved ones on the stormy
deep and it seemed to me there was all the more need that the lamps in
our light-house towers should be kept brightly burning.
Let our lamps be brightly burning
For our brothers out at sea--
Then their ships are soon returning,
Oh! how glad our hearts will be.
There are many that have left us,
Never more will they return;
Left our hearts with sorrows aching,
Still our lamps must brightly burn.