Page 176 - The Story of My Lif

heavenly Father’s tender love for all His children even when they are not gentle

and noble as He wishes them to be. I hope the glad news which you will tell
them will make their hearts beat fast with joy and love. I hope too, that Bishop
Brooks’ whole life will be as rich in happiness as the month of May is full of
blossoms and singing birds.

From your loving little friend,

HELEN KELLER.

Before a teacher was found for Tommy and while he was still in the care of
Helen and Miss Sullivan, a reception was held for him at the kindergarten. At
Helen’s request Bishop Brooks made an address. Helen wrote letters to the
newspapers which brought many generous replies. All of these she answered
herself, and she made public acknowledgment in letters to the newspapers. This

letter is to the editor of the Boston Herald, enclosing a complete list of the
subscribers. The contributions amounted to more than sixteen hundred dollars.

TO MR. JOHN H. HOLMES

South Boston, May 13, 1891.

Editor of the Boston Herald:

My Dear Mr. Holmes:—Will you kindly print in the Herald, the enclosed list? I
think the readers of your paper will be glad to know that so much has been done
for dear little Tommy, and that they will all wish to share in the pleasure of
helping him. He is very happy indeed at the kindergarten, and is learning
something every day. He has found out that doors have locks, and that little
sticks and bits of paper can be got into the keyhole quite easily; but he does not
seem very eager to get them out after they are in. He loves to climb the bedposts
and unscrew the steam valves much better than to spell, but that is because he

does not understand that words would help him to make new and interesting
discoveries. I hope that good people will continue to work for Tommy until his
fund is completed, and education has brought light and music into his little life.