Pioneers

Last week while Jeff and Clint were gone to scout camp, Derek and I did some fun things too. One of the things we were able to do was to go to This Is The place Park, thanks to my friend Karla, who gave us a 2 for 1 coupon. It was hot. But fun. We saw our cute neighbors who work there, Skylar (below) and Brook who drives the train and gives tour guides.

Derek rode horses and saw baby animals. We rode the train and walked along the old-fashioned streets and talked about the Pioneers.

Derek asked about the Bingham Copper Mine and wanted me to tell the story about his great grandfather, one of the Bingham Brothers, who discovered it. I have told him the story before. How Sanford and Thomas Bingham discovered copper in the canyon.

They went back to report it to Brigham Young. They told him there could be gold there. They were very excited to mine for it. But the Prophet, Brigham Young told them to leave it...

...And they did. There was more important work for them to do. For some reason, when I told Derek this time, at this moment, in this place, I just really felt gratitude and understanding more than ever before. Just realizing how truly amazing it was to be a part of something so wonderful. Something bigger than all of us. More valuable than a fortune of gold and copper. Something so important and powerful and beautiful, and perfect that others had forsaken all worldly pursuits to make it a reality I sometimes feel a disconnect on Pioneer day because I have no real "Utah Pioneer Heritage". But I know that it doesn't really matter where my blood line came from, I have a claim to all of the blessings that any other member of the church has because of my belief, and my effort to live it and be a part of it.

I find myself getting defensive of others who don't respect and appreciate what the pioneers have done for everyone who now lives in Utah, and for those who are now Latter day members of the Church.

I do celebrate Pioneer Day, July 24, in my own way. We don't go to the Parade, or the Fireworks. We have a quite day at home, with a BBQ with friends or neighbors. And we do remember, and give thanks for all of the sacrifices that were made so we can have a beautiful place to live here in the mountains.

We remember how lucky we are to live in a community where so many know us and support us. A place where we fit in. A place where my boys can learn who they are and not only understand what it means to be a Bingham, but to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

And no one better say anything bad about those Pioneers!