Lessons learned along the Oregon Trail

This is it: the blog that I’ve been wanting to write for eons but have not actually put the pen to paper or well…the index finger to the keyboard shall we shall? Do you remember a time when there existed a game that was so great that it was THE GAME…mostly because it was the only game you were allowed to play in computer class? And you would work arduously trying to win. Seriously, you worked more persistently on this game than you did on algebra or history or whatever “academic pursuits” were on your plate. You’d pour your heart and soul into THE GAME…

            Only to lose your oxen,

            Then, your food ration would mysteriously “disappear”

            And then you’d run out of ammunition

And just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, you’d catch typhoid or scarlet fever or the absolute worst…diphtheria.

This would go on week after week, and then those dreaded two words would appear from out of nowhere, “GAME OVER.” But no you knew the truth: that the game was not even close from being over.

You couldn’t and wouldn’t stop. And then one day, perhaps some 938 days after you began this Oregan Trail adventure, you got to THAT PART. Yes, you remember THAT PART. I mean, seriously how can you forget, it was the point when you were able to cross the river. Of course, crossing the river was extremely dangerous. There were wilderbeasts, flying dragons, serpents, and the original Coyote Ugly. They all stood in your way and meant that many times (and by many I mean 99 out of 100 times), oxen, food, and vital medical supplies would be lost, or tampered with or stolen from you by a flying Coyote Ugly. And then very often you’d see once again in flashing bold letters, “GAME OVER.” This became a vicious cycle.

Until one day, a day which you will never forget. For this was THE DAY. On THE DAY you “caulked the wagon and floated across the river” and you were able to win THE GAME. That of course, happened all back before you even knew what “caulking” a wagon even meant. Back before you could hammer a nail, ride a bike, or tie your own shoes. Okay maybe even now you’re not great at hammering nails. And okay, maybe you also still don't really know what it is that "caulk" means. But really, those details are not important. What’s important is that you survived the Oregon Trail…okay so maybe not the real thing but rather the dramatic computer enhanced version and well, that’s got to be worth something. Maybe it’s not the stuff to include in a resume but well it’s still a true achievement. So next time when you feel like you are traveling on life’s long road filled with blocks and barriers, lost things that you love, large waterways, sordid serpents, and difficult decisions, know that you are a SURVIVOR. Even when it doesn’t appear that way; even when it seems like you are losing know that there is something more. Be persistent and be patient. Don’t let the flying whatevers get the better of you. Stay strong. You have accomplished greatness; you are a true survivor. You earned that title along the trail and it’s a lesson you can’t forget.