Retirement
Jeremiah and Hester Whipple have run their farm for 50 years, keeping the lawn mowed and the food prepared. But now, the time has come for them to pass their legacy on to their only son, William, and his wife, Sarah Ellen. With the papers signed and documented, the entire farm now belongs to William and Sarah.Jeremiah and Hester will have the chance to live a relaxing life on their beloved farm. With such prospects, the couple eagerly look forward to retirement.
For a good while, Jeremiah and Hester felt “like children let out of school. ... They forced themselves to lie abed half an hour later than usual each day.” They reminisce and loiter about the farm, enjoying their newfound leisure.
Yet, after the initial excitement, Jeremiah and Hester begin to feel restless. This restlessness leads the husband and wife to mentally critique their son and daughter-in-law in their farm duties: “Hester lies with one ear listening to make sure that Sarah Ellen did let the cat in for her early breakfast; and Jeremiah lies with his ear listening for the squeak of the barn door which would tell him whether William was early or, late that morning.”
However, a new disaster adds itself to this restlessness. Jeremiah’s bank closes at a time when banks were not insured. The news shocks poor Jeremiah, for he now lacks all funds to support himself and his wife. Although William says he'll always take care of his parents, it seems he always a little short. Jeremiah soon begins to feel the weight of having no money.
To remedy some of this stress, Jeremiah and Hester decide to visit family. With the help of William, they buy two tickets to visit their nephew Nathan Banks. Without funds from William to get back home, however, Jeremiah decides to go visit other family members.
A Man Must Work
Once home, Jeremiah soon realizes that poor Hester needs new shoes. Seeing his wife’s need and feeling the needs of his own body and mind, Jeremiah begins scouring the neighborhood for jobs. Soon afterward, Hester follows suit, knitting and sewing for the neighbors.
Through this story, Porter highlighted man’s innate need and desire to work rather than beg. Work occupies him and strengthens his character. It draws him from the dregs of laziness and passivity and lifts him to a life of utility and activity.
Porter emphasized: “I don’t like work—no man does—but I like what is in the work—the chance to find yourself. Your own reality—for yourself not for others—what no other man can ever know.” Even if work is difficult, it lifts man’s spirit, so that his character becomes refined by the refining fires of challenging industry.
