Pioneer

I've been thinking about the Summer that our family just shared.  The word pioneer has been on my mind so much.  Our Summer came and went so quickly, as most summers do.  This summer was so busy and full of many lessons.  

I had a birthday this summer, on pioneer day.  To me this is a gift. I am a pioneer with a new breast cancer drug that it working so well to fight off those nasty cancer cells.  I just wish I wasn't so darn tired at 8:00 every single night.  I am continually trying to be brave and courageous. Mostly, I just want to be enchanting. 

Paul, Lindsey, and Brock truly did have a pioneer experience.  They had the opportunity of actually going on Trek with our Ward this Summer.  There was a lot of grumbling from our teenagers,  and hours of conversations about why they had to go.  They felt like they have their own hardships, why would they dress up and pretend they were pioneers.  They would say, mom, those pioneers didn't have it easy, but neither do we.  We have to face things those early pioneers couldn't even dream about.  I understand their plea....I've seen the halls at their schools, I have heard the songs on the radio, I have seen the advertisements that are in front of them every single day.  I also understand that as we fight together as I go through breast cancer, it can sometimes feel lonely and scary for them.  

They were assigned a name of a pioneer to walk for.  They were able to learn about their history, where they were from, their family dynamics and how they felt as they crossed those bitterly cold plains without enough food, clothing, or supplies. They had a new perspective as they were on the same trail and shared their stories with the others in the group.  

I am just so sad that I could not be their to watch.  I had every intention of going.  Why shouldn't I?  As time came closer, I understood why.  Those long hot days would not be good for me.  I didn't want to risk my health and the rest of my summer with my family.    It broke my heart that I could not be their with Paul and my children.  I know that they had their testimonies strengthened.  For that, I am thankful

Olivia is in a new school.  Pioneering her way through new teachers, friends, and classrooms.  Her days start early and she gets up and ready without  complaining.....she truly is a little fighter.  She makes things work and isn't afraid to change them if they aren't. 

Reid is getting baptized Saturday. I am grateful for the opportunity to be here with him to witness it.  Another tender mercy that I have been given.  He is so strong and confident.  I know he will be a pioneer as he grows.  He is such a teacher of goodness even at this young age.

 We are all pioneers as we are thrown into situations that we aren't sure about.  But just as the early pioneers who came across those dusty treacherous plains, we have angels watching over and helping us. We are never alone.