Story Talker




	WRITE 2 THE HEART Stories that are aimed "Write 2 the Heart" March 18, 2003 Cheryl Speir, Editor, moderator@write2theheart.com ----------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to your latest issue of "Write 2 the Heart" You are receiving this newsletter because you requested a subscription or a friend generously forwarded their copy to you. To subscribe send a blank e-mail to subscribe@write2theheart.com. ------------------------------------------------------------ Chocolate Alert! I know that got your attention! I am working on a chocolate cookbook to be given away on Write 2 the Heart's web site. This work in process is tentatively called "Write 2 the Heart of the Chocolate Lover" Anyone who would like to join in the delicious fun, send a chocolate recipe with a brief bio to be included after each recipe. Send as many as you wish. ----------------------------------------------------------- One can only imagine the horror and hardship that the young Indian girl had to endure. Bob shares his family's history with us as he introduces us to the Story Talker. ------------------------------------------------------------ The Story Talker By Bob Shaw ------------------------------------------------------------ As a child, she loved to sit and listen to the stories of her People, her Tribe, and the great deeds of her ancestors and her Homeland. These Story Talkers kept alive the Legends and traditions by passing them down from generation to generation. She was nearly 15, almost grown by her tribal standards. But the journey to come would be a nightmare shared by her whole tribe. In the winter of 1838 and 39, The Cherokee Indians were herded from their homes, and forced to leave their lands, to a place called the Oklahoma Territory. It's estimated that over 4000 Cherokee lost their lives on the March that became known as one of America's darkest periods-The Cherokee Trail of Tears. They traveled in wagons, horseback, boats, and on foot. Always, the Soldiers were watching, keeping the band moving. The young Indian girl had lost track of her family. Fearing what could happen, she watched for the first chance to escape. It came on a dark and cold winter night. Having no idea where she was, she followed "her" star. It led due North. One can only guess at how long she traveled, trying to avoid the Army patrols, and the white settlers. Living on roots and few other things she could find to eat, and traveling only at night, she topped a small hill and saw the lights from a cabin. It was as far as she could go. The last thing she'd remember was the ground rushing up to meet her as she slumped on to the snow bank. The farmer's name was Harrelson. He and his family were trying to build a small place for themselves in the Illinois Territory. As he went out to the barn for a final check on the animals that night, he spied something lying on the snow. He found the girl, nearly frozen and starved, and took her in to his home. With food, warmth, time, and care, she regained her health. As time passed, she bonded with the family, especially the Harrelson children. She was offered a home, which she readily accepted. The next few years passed quickly, then tragedy struck. Mrs. Harrelson came down very ill, and in a few days, passed away, leaving her husband, children, and the Indian Girl, who had become very close to the family. Mr. Harrelson, being a Christian, wouldn't consider living with the girl under the same roof, so after some consideration and family discussion, it was decided they would marry. Several years passed, and she had children of her own. The now Mrs. Harrelson would delight at sitting the children around her by the fireplace, and tell them stories from her child hood, about her people, her tribe and her homelands. My Great Grandmother's name was Nora Harrelson. She was the Great Granddaughter of the Indian girl, the Story Talker. Bob Shaw Caperabbit @ semo.net You are encouraged to write to the authors to let them know what you think of their story, just remember to remove the space before and after the @ symbol. The space is placed in the address to protect our writers from viruses and email harvesting programs. Have a comment on today's story? Send it to: moderator@write2theheart.com ---------------------------------------------------------------- Bob and wife, Ronni live in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. They'd love hearing from you, and hope you enjoyed the story. -------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------- Letters From Our Readers -------------------------------------------------------------- Dear Denise, Your story about the impact your book on Mary had on your mother is truly moving and inspirational. I am so glad her life was surrounded by love-- yours, the family's, and God's. I wish you success with your book. I would surely love to read it! Blessings, Mary-Ellen Grisham "meg" meginrose @ empowering.com Such a sweet story from Denise! I can identify with why she would not want her Mother to be in a hospital, and how wonderful that she was able to be in her home. I believe she knows all about Denise and her book and how much she was loved. It was so nice that Denise had that time to share with her Mother and find out her desires; God's timing is always perfect! Blessings, Diane Dean White http://bw.newsmoose.com/ --------------------------------------------------------------- Military Prayer Reminder --------------------------------------------------------------- As you read over this list of names, please take this moment to pray for these young people and their families: Chris Speir Tim Speir Alan Thaddeaus Todd Holland Howard Jessie Graham William Don't forget to continue to pray for our nation and our military at this time! If you have loved ones in the military, or who are being called to go overseas, send their names (first and last or first only) to be included in our prayer reminder. --------------------------------------------------------------- Cheryl's Corner My cat is fat. He's so fat he can't groom his back. Every spring I give him a haircut to cut down on the hairballs that weft through the house and the mats that form on him. He hates the process of being clipped, but seems to love his new, lighter look afterwards. Today's the day to put up with the caterwauling and growling. When it's over he will be prancing around the house showing off his new do. My sons always grumble when I give Tatertot a haircut, because I leave a pom-pom on the end of his tail. They are always asking if I think the cat is a poodle. I just think it's cute. God Bless, Cheryl ----------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------- © 2003 Write 2 the Heart Nothing may be reproduced or published without the written permission of the individual author or copyright owner. All rights belong to the authors.