Gratitude

Today, we watched one of our favorite movies of all time, Lonesome Dove, based on the novel by Larry McMurtry.

Growing up in Montana and Wyoming, we always heard the tales of the west; roundups, cattle drives, gunfights and of course, we grew up around the Native Americans and learning a bit about their history, also.

I am always amazed when I watch a movie like this. I would think that it was fairly accurate, although not absolutely, about the way of life back then.

Can you imagine living out on the plains, in a wagon, if you were lucky, getting by on what food you could hunt? Can you imagine living in the same clothes for month months at a time? Can you imagine walking or if you were lucky, riding a horse all the time? Women were either prostitutes, bargirls or teachers, not much else was acceptable.

Fast food restaurants, washing machines, dishwashers, vehicles, and so many more things were not known of back then. People then were grateful for the food in their mouths, clothes on their back, with maybe a game of cards or a drink to look forward to at the end of the day. Children were considered a means to run the farm so the more children, the better. Education was not a priority, only possible if the children weren't needed to work.

Social gatherings were far and few between, mostly put together by the churches in the communities. Marriages were commonplace between the family up the road because people didn't get much further from their territory. So sisters and brothers would marry into the same families.

I suppose what I am trying to say is the next time you see a movie or read a book about times past, stop and think of where we are today.

Perhaps we really need to think about what we have and be grateful for it.

Thank you.