Thoughts About the Past
As odd as this might seem, I sometimes wish I could be like the famed markswoman Annie Oakley, from Terra's Ancient West. My father used to regale me with stories of the Ancient West, and even though his stories were more about cowboys and Indians, he often went into great detail about Annie Oakley, Buffalo Bill, Jesse James, and other well-known people from that era. In fact, he mentioned Annie Oakley often enough that when I got a little older I researched her life and was quite intrigued as to what I found.
Although not technically a part of the actual "Wild West", Annie overcame poverty, mistreatment, and even a severe spinal injury which left her partially paralyzed for a while. She was famed for her astounding marksmanship with a pistol, rifle, or shotgun. At a distance of 90 feet she was able to shoot a dime that was tossed in midair! During her brief 66 year lifespan, she showed great determination and strength of character. She was compassionate and generous to widows, orphans, and other young women, and was able to help break down barriers for women due to her talents and amazing marksmanship.
How wonderful must it be to still be remembered for one's accomplishments four centuries after one's death? I can only hope that my own accomplishments, however modest, might be remembered even half that long!
Although not technically a part of the actual "Wild West", Annie overcame poverty, mistreatment, and even a severe spinal injury which left her partially paralyzed for a while. She was famed for her astounding marksmanship with a pistol, rifle, or shotgun. At a distance of 90 feet she was able to shoot a dime that was tossed in midair! During her brief 66 year lifespan, she showed great determination and strength of character. She was compassionate and generous to widows, orphans, and other young women, and was able to help break down barriers for women due to her talents and amazing marksmanship.
How wonderful must it be to still be remembered for one's accomplishments four centuries after one's death? I can only hope that my own accomplishments, however modest, might be remembered even half that long!