We had a family night tonight about the pioneers. Tomorrow is Pioneer Day (a state holiday here in Utah) and I’m feeling more sympathy and gratitude for those early settlers this year – probably due to the pioneer trek Kevin and I went on a couple of weeks ago. We both have many ancestors who crossed the plains as pioneers, some with the handcart companies, and it is hard not to feel a closeness to them after such an experience. The two of us had so much fun, but our hearts were also touched and softened and reminded of the great sacrifices our own ancestors made.
Tonight we told the boys a little about the pioneers and then we turned on the movie 17 Miracles. (It is a very nicely done film – I highly recommend it.) My heart was again touched and softened when I watched as my barely 8 year old son was moved to tears because of the hardships of those handcart pioneers.
It was a rewarding family night.