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Jul 2006 Issue
by Kara Sommer
Whenever I think about pioneers, I think of brave women and men,” begins the
children’s song, Whenever I Think about Pioneers. I couldn’t have said it better myself!
When I think about the importance of Pioneer Day, not only do I think about those who crossed the plains in 1847 and the following years, but I try and think of all those who came before me who have lived their lives and left a legacy.
Not all of us have ancestors who pushed handcarts or rode on covered wagons all the way to Utah, but we all have ancestors whom we can learn from. For instance, my great grandfather, whom I knew, lived to be 102 years old. During his life he faced many heart wrenching challenges.
He lived out in rural Eastern Utah where he was postmaster and the owner of a small store. He and his wife had seven children, four of whom died. One of his children died from a burst appendix because they lived so far away from everything they could not get help. His wife got cancer and died even though they would take the horse and buggy to Salt Lake City to try and get treatment. He endured with faith the trials and tests he was given and I can learn from all of them.
Has anyone ever told you that you are just like your grandmother or grandfather? Have you ever wondered where you get certain traits or habits? You would be amazed at what you can discover about yourself through the stories of your ancestors. I had a great-great grandmother who did not like to do laundry. Her family would wear their clothes until they were so soiled they could not wear them any longer. Instead of washing them, they just piled them up in the corner. When they ran out of clothing, they went to the store and bought new clothes. Laundry was not a chore her family did. Now I know where I get it from. I don’t like to do laundry either! I may not go out and buy new clothes whenever mine get dirty, but there is a little bit of her in me.
There is one particular story in my family history that has never ceased to amaze me. Many, many years ago, in Switzerland, one of my great-grandfathers, John Ulrich, was baptized by one of my husband’s great-grandfathers, Nicholas Sommer. I think maybe the stars aligned way back then for my husband and I.
Sometime in the late 1800’s, some of my ancestors went through Utah on their way to California. They were so worried about the Mormons and polygamy they hid their daughters in the flour barrels in their wagons. I can’t help but chuckle about the fact that I am now a member of the same church of which they were so frightened.
Our ancestors were real people who lived real lives. They had feelings, trials, shortcomings, and incredible strengths. If we don’t pass on their stories, these incredible people will be forgotten. We should turn our hearts to our fathers and connect with them by knowing them. And by knowing them, we will love them and they will not be forgotten.
Pioneer Day is more than just celebrating those who went to Utah in 1847. It is remembering whom we have come from and gaining a greater understanding of them. It is for cultivating gratitude for what we have and who we are. Our pioneer heritage can live on as we continue, like our ancestors, to be brave in the face of incredible challenges.
