I was so blessed to be cast in Pioneer Song this semester. It was a powerful experience for me, and an amazing opportunity to grow as an actress.
I've learned a lot about the pioneers and what kind of hardships the women who crossed the plains went through.
My name is Elizabeth Fuller, and fourteen years ago I fell in love with and married Jack Fuller. We have four children. The oldest, Michael, is thirteen and just like his father. The next oldest, Stephanie, is eleven. She's very grown up and is following me around like a little lady. She's a great help with the two younger ones. Jenni is six and following in Stephanie's footsteps. Erik is barely six months old.
Jack and I decided to go with the wagon train to Oregon because we wanted an adventure. We want our kids to know what it's like to work hard and make their own way in life. We've been told of the dangers that will face us on this journey, but we have faith that we will be able to make it.
We set out dreaming of Oregon, and the things we are told we will find in Oregon. Jack rides, or walks along with the oxen and the wagon, encouraging the animals to keep going. I walk along with the children, or ride in the back with Erik. The women on this journey are wonderful. I've made friends with a wonderful woman named Trudy. We talk all the time. Her husband has been helping Jack with the harnesses. The children are enjoying running along with the children. Just as long as they stay away from the river, I don't worry about them.
The Kansas Crossing went well. All of the wagons made it across without a problem. We came to the Big Blue Crossing and the river was much higher. The oxen had difficulties getting the wagons through the river. The Johnson wagon was the last wagon to cross and tipped on the way. A chest filled with Mrs. Johnson's china fell into the river. Jacob Johnson jumped into the river with Jason, Sarah's wife to save the chest. They almost had the chest but suddenly both of the men and the chest were sucked into a whirlpool. Jason managed to swim out but Jacob... Minutes passed and Jacob didn't come up. His wife screamed. After such a wonderful beginning, this journey doesn't seem so wonderful anymore. That could have been anyone's husband. It could have been Jack! What if I lose him? I can't make it in Oregon by myself. Certainly not with our four children. We have to move on but there has been a layer of fear over the entire camp.
The forests are being left behind. The days are getting hotter and we are trudging on. Fort Kearney is coming soon and we are all hoping for a respite from this dreary plain.
We push on to Independence Rock. Fort Kearney was a great disappointment. We are hoping for a different scene at Independence Rock. It is our symbol of freedom and hope. It's the halfway point.
Independence Rock was everything we hoped it would be. Trudy and I scratched our name into the sides so that no one will forget that we weren't afraid to try something new. We continue on past Chimney Rock, Fallon's Bluff, and Devil's Gate. Many families have been split apart at different points. Some going on to Salt Lake City. There is some talk of families going to California to find gold and an easy life.
Jack, of all people, suggested that we should think about going to California to "strike it rich". After our dream of going to Oregon to teach our children the joy of building your own life. I can hardly think that California will be that dream. I am hoping he will reconsider. I refuse to put my children through that journey. We will stop in Oregon and either Jack will change his mind, or I will figure out a way to get to Oregon without him. Trudy's husband has brought it up to her as well, but she's talked him out of it. I hope Jack will not set his sights on California.
Jack did change his mind and we have moved on. The cholera is coming and I am so worried about my family. Jack, and little Erik are so tired and I'm afraid they will catch it. I don't know how to prevent it.
The cholera has stopped our camp. We cannot stop long because if we stop for too long, winter will come before we are ready. I'm so worried. Jack passed out yesterday by the river. I went looking for him and found him near the river. Some of the men helped bring him back up to the bed in the back of the wagon. He has a fever, and I'm so afraid. These are the symptoms others are having before they are struck down by the cholera. He woke up for about an hour a little while ago. He was so calm, and I was scared. He told me to leave. I had to keep going with or without him. I don't know what I'll do. I'm so scared to lose him. I can't be without him. He's my strength. Without him... I can't get to Oregon. I won't be able to make it. After telling me to go on to Oregon, he told me I had to leave the tent he's in so I wouldn't catch whatever he has. He called Trudy and she made me leave. I can't go on, but she is helping me. The children are all fine, so far. I will have faith. God cannot forget that we are here. Faith is the only hope any of us have left out here.
My husband has recovered but there has been so much loss. There is so much mourning and still we have to go on. We comfort each other and do what we can for those who have lost parents, husbands, and wives. We walk on as in a trance. Jack is still taking it easy. I can't help but to feel guilty because I haven't lost my family. Trudy and I are reaching out the best we can. She is a wonderful support to me.
Finally we have reached Oregon. It is beautiful. I can't believe my eyes. Everywhere I turn is green. We still have a few days before we reach the Willamette Valley where we'll claim land to farm. Even those who have lost so much on this journey are feeling their spirits lifted. This truly is the promised land. We've made it. We are safe.
That is my character's story. Elizabeth Fuller is not a real woman, but I love her for who she represents. She represents a real woman who's story maybe we don't hear all the time. Funny as it sounds, she has taught me more about who I want to be. Again I am grateful to have been cast in this original musical.
