May I just say that I love this idea. The credit goes to Mia, and I hope it's ok if I tag along. I need every opportunity I can find to reflect on the blessings in my life. So, first of all, thank you, Mia.
Today is the 24th of July, also called Pioneer Day, and is a holiday particular to Utah. It celebrates the arrival of the Mormon pioneers to the desolate Salt Lake Valley after long, arduous travels by wagon and handcart. They settled there and began to build a dwelling place which today is undeniably beautiful. So on this day my thoughts naturally turn to my heritage, my ancestors, and the great gifts that are mine because of them.
My great-grandparents on my father's side joined the ill-fated Martin handcart company who became stranded in Wyoming in a wicked, early snowfall. Many in this company did not survive. Mine were fortunate enough to be among the rescued and taken to shelter in the Salt Lake valley. My great-grandparents on my mother's side traveled by wagon train. During the journey, the family was stricken with disease, and the children were left as orphans, entering the valley alone. They were then assigned to and adopted by families already settled there.
I often wonder if I would have had the courage to leave comfortable surroundings and head West to the unknown. I honestly do not know. But I do know that I owe my great-grandparents my love, my allegiance, and my everlasting gratitude for their stoic perserverance. I hope that my life will, in the end, reflect their sacrifice.
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given.
