It started with the unexpected invitation to ride the Little River Railroad steam train. The destination was a nearby village. President Lincoln was giving a speech on the library steps and the train would carry him and his party back to our town.
I see "President Lincoln" every week at church, so I haven't made the effort to attend any of his events to see him in his presidential finery. I also have never been an observer at a war reenactment, or heard explanations about the rules of war in the 1860's.
Shame on me.
True to life as it was then - a baby, loving the breeze in the train window... tired, hot, big sister holding him on her lap.
The politicians and Lincoln family on the library steps. Speeches and then the short walk to the train to their private coach. (I wonder... did Abe long to hang his head out the window to catch a breeze?)
The reenactors battlefield was small, but we got the idea. When the line of "soldiers" from the south marched past me, I saw a young teen boy in the ranks. It was a heart wrenching moment, realizing, for many mothers that was life.
Shots in the air. Horses darting in and out. Sabers flashing. The boom of cannons. We knew what we would see when the smoke cleared...
imagine the fear of real waiting.
The 21st century family of President Lincoln invited us to join them. Thank you! We had a great time!
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith... Hebrews 12:1,2
2 comments:
I love that first picture - Eben truly looks like he's enjoying the breeze.
C. Nottingham
I love the comparison between Mr. Lincoln and his "wife".
Post a Comment