With reckless abandon, I stayed up until 12 last night, finishing the story of Sarah Prine. Reckless abandon indeed, knowing that children are no respecter of late night readers. Alone in my bedroom, the windows open, the door closed, I was another woman; separated from the insatiable needs of a household, husband and four young children. I was transported to the wild west, to the Arizona territories and the heartache and triumph associated with those early years: tragic Indian relations, rough terrain, fluctuating weather that meant life or death, and death around every corner.
The adventure sucked me in on about page 4. The developing and lasting romance with Captain Jack Elliot tickled my tummy. He referred to her as General Elliot, and considered himself outranked when she requested something of him. Except when it came to him leaving home to fight the Indians- he longed for adventure. His love for her and her love in return for his was remarkable. Both enabled the other to be who they were.
The dependence on community for survival was refreshing and inspiring. Such comfort and healing existed in the relationships forged with Sarah's sister-in-law, her Mexican neighbors and her family. Births and deaths were times of love and fellowship. The births were attended by all the women nearby- they all helped the mom bring the baby into the world. Birth was a joyful event. They believed that at times of death, as many loved ones as possible should be around to help the dying transition peacefully into death.
Most lovely of all was Sarah's indomitable spirit. Her future husband "lost his heart to her" as he witnessed her Annie Oakley style sharp-shooting skill. Often she lamented she wasn't more peaceful as her loving quaker sister-in-law Savannah. She vowed after reading a book called The Happy Bride that she would practice it's teachings including: becoming more religious, learning to be a "righteous example of piety and purity, virtuous to a fault, kind and sharing." She is so real and so wonderful. You love those she loves tenderly, and despise with real emotions those who hurt Sarah or her family.
Definitely one of my favorite all time books.
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