Some people seemed to get all sunshine , and some all shadow . It was not fair , for she tried more than Amy to be good , but never got any reward , only disappointment , trouble and hard work . Poor Jo , these were dark days to her , for something like despair came over her when she thought of spending all her life in that quiet house , devoted to humdrum cares , a few small pleasures , and the duty that never seemed to grow any easier . `` I ca n't do it . I was n't meant for a life like this , and I know I shall break away and do something desperate if somebody does n't come and help me , '' she said to herself , when her first efforts failed and she fell into the moody , miserable state of mind which often comes when strong wills have to yield to the inevitable . But someone did come and help her , though Jo did not recognize her good angels at once because they wore familiar shapes and used the simple spells best fitted to poor humanity . Often she started up at night , thinking Beth called her , and when the sight of the little empty bed made her cry with the bitter cry of unsubmissive sorrow , `` Oh , Beth , come back ! Come back ! '' she did not stretch out her yearning arms in vain . For , as quick to hear her sobbing as she had been to hear her sister 's faintest whisper , her mother came to comfort her , not with words only , but the patient tenderness that soothes by a touch , tears that were mute reminders of a greater grief than Jo 's , and broken whispers , more eloquent than prayers , because hopeful resignation went hand-in-hand with natural sorrow . Sacred moments , when heart talked to heart in the silence of the night , turning affliction to a blessing , which chastened grief and strengthned love . Feeling this , Jo 's burden seemed easier to bear , duty grew sweeter , and life looked more endurable , seen from the safe shelter of her mother 's arms . When aching heart was a little comforted , troubled mind likewise found help , for one day she went to the study , and leaning over the good gray head lifted to welcome her with a tranquil smile , she said very humbly , `` Father , talk to me as you did to Beth . I need it more than she did , for I 'm all wrong . '' `` My dear , nothing can comfort me like this , '' he answered , with a falter in his voice , and both arms round her , as if he too , needed help , and did not fear to ask for it . Then , sitting in Beth 's little chair close beside him , Jo told her troubles , the resentful sorrow for her loss , the fruitless efforts that discouraged her , the want of faith that made life look so dark , and all the sad bewilderment which we call despair . She gave him entire confidence , he gave her the help she needed , and both found consolation in the act . For the time had come when they could talk together not only as father and daughter , but as man and woman , able and glad to serve each other with mutual sympathy as well as mutual love . Happy , thoughtful times there in the old study which Jo called ` the church of one member ' , and from which she came with fresh courage , recovered cheerfulness , and a more submissive spirit . For the parents who had taught one child to meet death without fear , were trying now to teach another to accept life without despondency or distrust , and to use its beautiful opportunities with gratitude and power .
Other helps had XXXXX -- humble , wholesome duties and delights that would not be denied their part in serving her , and which she slowly learned to see and value .
Amy Beth Father Jo burden day days first love night