"If we never had un, and livin' were always fine and clear, we'd forget to be thankful for our blessin's.

We has t' have a share o' trouble in our lives, and here and there a hard knock whatever, t' know how fine the good things are and rightly enjoy un when they come.

And in the end troubles never turn out as bad as we're expectin', by half.

First and last there's a wonderful sight more good times than bad uns for all of us." Thomas had reason to be proud and thankful.

Jamie could see as well as ever he could, and it was all because of Doctor Joe and his wonderful operation on Jamie's eyes when it seemed certain the lad was to become blind.