May 25, 1875 Bloomington, Osborne County, Kansas
As I lay down on my personal patch of the prairie, I smoothed out my skirts so I could stargaze. Always I enjoy this time of day to come out here and think. The skies are just brilliant as they fill themselves with diamond stars…a symbol of a blessing that is found in the Old Testament.
At 42 years of age, I feel as if I have lived by roaming this land…not settling in one place…obedient and loyal to a husband who has wanderlust. Finally, we are making our home here, and we plan to settle at last under this panorama of stars.
Oh, these stars and the night light! They seem to reach out and beg me to proclaim their brilliance and wonder. During this quiet alone time, I can use them to number my list of the people, places, and things I love most. Yes, they are a symbol of that blessing given long ago to Father Abraham. Now that blessing has been passed to me.
As I start to leave this sacred space and my meditation time, I think about putting my children to bed. I think about my husband Andrew telling me about his day. I think about that blessing given long ago: “I will number your descendants as the stars in the sky.” Now in this moment, God is using the stars as symbols of blessings coming to me and my children. Amen.
~Mary Etta Soule Storer
Note: Mary Etta is my second great grandmother. To me, she is a symbol of great strength, courage, and resilience. Amen.
Once Upon A Lifetime: Tales And Vignettes Of My Ancestors 
Your ancestor was so eloquent! Loved her description of the stars and her life.
LikeLike
You write so lovely. I enjoy your posts.
LikeLike
Thank you. I enjoy getting into the hearts, minds, and souls of my ancestors. For many years, I had to write scholarly pieces with footnotes and bibliographies. Now I can write freely.
LikeLike