Through The Eyes of a Child
by
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My Personal View on the Trail of Tears When I first heard about the Cherokee Trail of Tears, I felt a terrible sadness. A much esteemed native people of this wondrous land lived in peace and harmony with other Native Americans tribes along with the great influx of the White Man to their lands. They learned to assimilate with the White Man and many would take on the White Man’s names. Many followed the White Man’s religion, and learned their language. There was also intermarriage between their races. In spite of the Cherokees assimilation with the White Man this was all a peaceful existence. The Cherokee never thought that their coexistence would change. I heard this story as a child from my father who was born and raised in Oklahoma. My father knew how much I enjoyed hearing stories, especially when I found the stories to be true. After hearing about this harrowing exodus of the Cherokee People, I had a difficult time trying to fathom what these people must have endured. I want to point out the exceptional qualities of the Cherokee People on this infamous trail. We see their honorable life and are given a rather hands on example of how this forced march would whittle away at their strength and their self esteem. We see human emotions that wear on so many people. We see a people that are not ready to give up. No matter the many hardships they endured with each waking day, they responded in prayer to their Great Spirit. They knew he would build them a new home, a new land wherever they were to settle. The Great Spirit would always be with his people. The Cherokee had no idea of where they were being sent. They had no idea of what the land would be like. They could only go on what they had been told by the U.S. Government. Indian Territory was a country very unlike what this hearty people were used to living. Would the land be poor and unhealthy or would it be like the plush fertile land they had lived in for generations? Would there be enough lumber and water for all these thousands of people? Were the Cherokee being fooled having been told that this new land was good and fertile? What if this land was not sufficient to supply the needs of this new population? What then? The Cherokee were not a people who easily gave up when things got tough. Once they reached this unknown land, the Cherokee were able to make the land work for them and their families. The Great Spirit would not let them fail. Today Indian Territory in the state of Oklahoma is a land of wealth and growth. The Cherokee Nation has prospered all these years. They have become a people in which to be proud.
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About the Book
About the Book “ Through The Eyes of a Child,” is a fictional side to the true story of the Cherokee Indians plight, being removed from their homeland in which they existed for centuries. The Cherokee Nation was forced from their homelands and this story tells how a small loving family dealt with the tragedy they would succumb to on this perilous journey. They travel through hazardous conditions. Through all the hardships of family loss, a young child, Little Bird grows from the wisdom taught from her grandmother and mother whose lives become joined with their Great Spirit. Little Bird becomes an icon of strength for her people. Filled with great wisdom and the knowledge of storytelling Little Bird gives the Cherokee Nation a perseverance of faith, and the ideal to never to give up. I have had many friends and family members who have constantly encouraged me to tell this story. The plight of this brave Cherokee Nation will always be remembered. In creating the character of Little Bird and her family I feel that I have given reality to this Trail of Tears that it deserves. I viewed myself as a member of the Cherokee People and wondered what it must have been like traveling so far each day, seeing hunger, disease, treacherous abuse, rape of women and children, these elements attacking this mighty people and watching so many people die before your eyes.
About the Author
About the Author I was born Diane Marie Hicks in Boston, Massachusetts. My parents are Mary and Henry Hicks. I grew-up with two older brothers; Henry and Robert, and two smaller sisters; Susan and Cheryl. Today I am a wife and mother with a degree in Electro-Mechanical Engineering. My husband Stuart and I met while working for the same company. Stuart was the head Design Engineer while I was a novice to the engineering field. My husband and I have three grown children, Joshua Nathan, Amy Teresa, and Benjamin Michael. Our son Joshua is married to Tina, a high school sweetheart. They have a child Morgan a seven year old sweetheart. Our daughter Amy is married to a young marine Sean McDonough and they are presently living in San Diego. Sean has recently received orders for Afghanistan. Our youngest son, Benjamin has a girlfriend, Caity another high school sweetheart. We look forward to seeing them a couple. Our children along with their friends and family are our pride and joy. Among other interest, I enjoy writing poetry and also painting water colors. My poetry can be very emotional. I like to end my poetry with hope. For me hope is the single most important thing in my life besides love.