In August of 2021, Keith and I set out on a grand adventure to take our 2006 Cedar Creek RV cross-country from Edisto Beach, SC to Keystone, SD. Our destination as we ventured out was Mount Rushmore with hopes of seeing other US attractions along the way.
A favored stop was when we camped in Ohio. There we visited the Pro Football Hall of Fame. We were inspired by those who pioneered this favorite American pastime. These were passionate players who dreamt of becoming the greatest in their sport, starting out with minimal protective equipment to what we have today. The game has always been rough on the body, and now the equipment is continually improving to keep that body safe. From the first time ever played up to modern times, the game never ceases to bring out endearing fans all across the country.
While driving along US I-90 onward to South Dakota, we saw much of America’s farmland. There were endless rows of corn as far as the eye could see from Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota to South Dakota. The land was so beautiful to view. There were no tall buildings, stores, neighborhoods or businesses, just farmland. Keith and I shared our thoughts about the pioneers of this land. We wondered what they envisioned as they came westward in the great expansion. Today, it appears to be the breadbasket that feeds our great nation. Witnessing this vast site truly gave us a new appreciation for our nation’s farmers.
Approaching Mount Rushmore presented another moment of being awestruck by pioneerism, to see a dream for a national treasure that became a reality in 14 years’ time. The project provided work for many during the Great Depression as well as gifted a legacy that many people today travel across the country to view in person. It commemorates four of our nation’s greatest presidents during her first 150 years of establishment. They too were all pioneers in their office as they led a baby nation to become a world leader, all during times of war and civil unrest.
All of this was made possible through the dreams of pioneers. A pioneer is a person who is among the first to settle or explore an area or an idea. They venture into the unknown or unclaimed territory. They open up new areas of thought, research or development. Conditions may not always seem in their favor, but their drive, passion, and purpose bring those things that are not into existence.
Within you are many possibilities. You have the capacity to share them, embark upon them, develop them, and create them. Your mind is brilliant. You have ideas you can invite others to participate in to make those ideas a reality. The question is are you willing to be a pioneer? Our world needs pioneers to keep moving forward and bringing out the best that mankind has to offer. Are you a pioneer? Don’t be afraid to go after what may appear odd or strange to others. Later they will be thanking you for making their lives better because of it. Let’s keep growing and keep going. Be dynamic. It’s a good time to be you!
Peace and Joy,
Angela