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Even when times are especially tough, a lot can be found to be thankful for. If you can’t see it right at that moment, just be a little patient, situations have a way of changing, often real quick. This morning, I had a good flashback type memory of how quickly situations change for the better and leave a man with something to be thankful for.
Nearly a year ago, Denise and I had a very difficult day on the wagon. The morning started out in Chester, Illinois. After making our way through city traffic, we faced a difficult bridge crossing of the Mississippi River. After a harrowing crossing, we drove several miles across a nearly deserted flood plain, then scaled the bluffs on the western side of the river. Several miles, and another city later, it was getting dark and the horses were dog tired. The road was narrow and traffic was heavy. With darkness almost upon us, we finally found a place where we might be down for the night. On the third knocking, a man finally answered and agreed to let us camp in his backyard.
What followed were two of the most wonderful days of the journey. We had landed with the Stortz family. 11 year old Heather Stortz was a child prodigy, who was a very accomplished singer, songwriter and musician. While we stayed there, she serenaded us with her magic. If that wasn’t enough, the Stortz’s tracked us down a day further down the road, so Heather could play and sing for me the song she had written about the Wagonteamster.
Before she left, Heather gave me a cassette recording of “The Journey”. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a cassette player on the wagon. Today, I found the cassette and played it in the truck - it brought tears to my eyes. Almost a year later, I had a real reminder of how fast things can change. One day, a year ago, I went from having a long, arduous, difficult and dangerous day; to comfort, love and even having a talented artist compose and sing a song about me.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!
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