Pioneer Day... those not native to Utah think it is quite silly. I hold a very respected place in my heart for the pioneers and their history. D and I visited his brother in Omaha last Fall and we were able to go to the Mormon Trail Center at Winter Quarters, which was really cool. I get an onslaught of gratitude every time I learn more about the pioneers. They suffered profusely but drove themselves forward regardless.
It is such a gratifying spiritual experience to involve oneself in the history behind the pioneers, particularly if you personally have ancestors in that respect. In '97 my mom, my brother Stephen, and I participated in our church pioneer trek and, yes, they ARE all they are cracked up to be! I always attempt to describe things but this experience cannot be described; it can only be lived. It humbles you, strengthens you, exhausts you, and then forces you to look to your Father in Heaven. I came across a story my mom had written for me about her great-grandmother (my great-great-grandmother) Hannah Jane Robertson:
"Hannah was the mother of three small boys and a widow at age 26. She was traveling with her brother and three sons in a covered wagon and became stuck in the quicksand. Hannah's brother strapped her oldest son to one of the horses and pinned a note on his shirt knowing the horse would have to find water and then hopefully people to help.
About 2 am lights came shining over the desert and she knew help was coming. Help arrived with water and supplies. She was taken with her two younger sons to the Anderson home where her oldest boy had safely ended up. It took the search party until the following evening to get the horses and wagon out of the sand.
Hannah wrote in her journal, 'I hope someday my children and grandchildren can read this poor record I have tried to write for them. I wish I could spell and write good, I have many things I want to say but can't.' "
This in itself is an amazing story and I try putting myself in Hannah's place... yet this is only a small taste of their hardship. I am glad I went on that trek to, at the very least, devote my respects to those who helped to slowly but surely pave the way for the lavish lives we get to live today. Let us all be mindful of and happy for ALL our lives are now blessed with!
Well on a lighter note D will be playing once again with his band SlowRide at the Huka Lounge on Thursday evening between 9 and 10 pm. Once again, that's Thursday, July 24th at Huka. I know everyone'll need a way to cap off their busy Pioneer Day... head to Huka!
151 East 6100 South in Murray
Happy and safe Pioneer Day, everyone!
2 comments:
Indeed ma'am. The more than I learn about these pioneers, the more I admire their spirit and tenacity. This two-week trip has been ALL about voyages West...from cowboys & goldminers to Lewis & Clark...and I've realized that if I HAD to be a pioneer, I may be able to do it...but only because I'm supremely confident. :)
26, three kids, a widow, and quicksand? Wow!!! Suddenly my drama doesn't seem that bad. :)
I liked your comments about Pioneer Day, etc. I too feel the same way. I hate not living in Utah. I feel like we miss out on the spirit and festivities of such a great day!:(
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