“Well, who are you today?” I was recently asked by a friend. Sadly, I had to stop and think. Just the day before I had been an unnamed Confederate soldier relating how the battle at Helena, Arkansas on the Mississippi River had been lost. In great part, for want of a couple of timepieces. Had related it to school-age children twenty-three times.
But today. As I listened to one of my favorite musical groups, Current River Bluegrass, I gave it some thought. Recognized the cedar staff in my hand, remembered the leatherbound journal in my haversack hanging off my shoulder. Remembered. During the upcoming musical break, I was to be Henry R. Schoolcraft. Was to relate a bit of history of what “I” saw when entering Dent County the winter of 1818.
Not always this slow of wit and recognition, but it has been a tough week. Preparing for these two presentations. And for presenting this coming Wednesday to become “Runt” Johnson of Johnson-Freight for a group of elementary children in Springfield, Missouri. A major transportation company at the latter part of the 1800’s. Then to also again become Schoolcraft, this time for Junior-High students interested in history around Greene County.
All the while plugging away at the writings of William Price Elmer. Five-years of weekly contributions about the history of Dent County going back to its origin in 1851. A history very much stamped with Mr. Elmer’s contributions. An event where his descendants would be in the audience.
I wished to please them, honor him and remind all in attendance of the many changes that have occurred over the years. Remind them of not only Mr. Elmer’s but others whose actions changed our world for the better. For almost three hours, I was to be William Price Elmer.
All this, and for the 18th of this month I am to again share Mr. Schoolcraft, but somehow in a way that presents the female perspective in the early part of the 19th-century. I hope you understand why I might not be able to so readily explain who I was. Or am. Or will be.
Of course, there are many even without the challenges of doing historical presentations that find themselves a bit bewildered about who they are. Not always an easy question. The Greek philosopher Aristotle believed “to know oneself is the beginning of wisdom.” Sadly, it often takes a bit of wisdom to begin to make that acquaintance.
I recall some writer years past believed we should be given two lives. One in which to live and learn. The other to live, presumably better, with the advantage of that newly gained knowledge. But that is not the case.
Poet Walt Whitman recognized that he was “Large…” and contained “…multitudes.” I believe, as do we all. We are different beings to various people. We purposely wear “masks” that hide deficiencies and faults. From employers. From friends. From family.
Though all might be “..fearfully and wonderfully made…”, we too often fail to rise to our good potential. Do not always listen to “..our better angels.” We allow the pressures of life to shape us according to our experiences rather than choose to become what He would have us be.
I like doing historical presentations. Literally bringing history to life. Preserving our past to prepare and inspire us for a better future. A better now. To show how the thread of Christianity has been woven throughout our history. If not whom I am, I hope to always remember whose I am. Thanks for joining us!
