Here is our cute little family all dressed in our pioneer clothes set to cross the river. We were the last ones to cross the river.
Grandma, Kayden and I after we had forded the river.
Grandma and Grandpa walking out of the cove. We love them.
Instead of doing the traditional Women's Pull during trek, we decided to do a children's pull. We wanted to teach our children that they can do hard things and that as parents we need to let them do hard things. Our bishop wrote the following letter:
Dear Highland 33rd Ward Youth,
When we were born and came to earth, we left behind
a loving Heavenly Father. But He is not far away. He watches us and cares for
us—even in our times of struggle. He let us struggle because He knows that
these experiences help us to grow and develop character.
Your parents play a similar role. As much as they
would love to always step in and eliminate any suffering or hardship that you
might encounter in life—and during this Children’s Pull, they recognize that
what Elder Larry Y. Wilson recently stated in General Conference is true: “Wise
parents prepare their children to get along without them.” (May 2012 Ensign).
We express our love to you and confidence in you.
We know that you can do hard things, and we will always be there to pray for
you and support you. Follow the
Spirit and rely on the strength of your siblings and friends to help you
succeed. Great joy comes from accomplishing difficult tasks and in returning to
meet up with loved ones in the end.
James
Kirkwood was 11 years old when he came across these same plains. “[His] primary
responsibility on the trek was to care for his little 4-year-old brother,
Joseph, while his mother and oldest brother, Robert, pulled the cart. As they
climbed Rocky Ridge, it was snowing and there was a bitter cold wind blowing …
When little Joseph became too weary to walk, James, the older brother, had no
choice but to carry him (see the picture on the back of this). Left behind the
main group, James and Joseph made their way slowly to camp. When the two
finally arrived at the fireside, James, ‘having so faithfully carried out his
task, collapsed and died from exposure and over-exertion.’” (July 2002 Ensign)
In this Children’s
Pull, rest assured that you will not face the same physical dangers as
this. But love one another and help each other to succeed in the spirit of
James Kirkwood and so many other faithful pioneer children. Many of you are
walking for ancestors who were children when they crossed the plains; think of
them in particular during this time that you walk.
As you proceed up
the hill, it should be a silent experience. Please be sensitive to the safety
and wellbeing of the youngest of this group and allow sufficient space between
handcarts, particularly as you approach and ascend the hill.
We love you!
The Highland 33rd
Ward Parents
He had this picture of James Kirkwood and his brother on the back of the letter:
It was a touching experience watching our children pull the handcarts up that sandy steep hill.
We are so grateful for the pioneers, the sacrafices they made and the things that we are able to learn because of them. When the trek was over we were glad we had come, but we were definitely ready to go home!
