Laveda D. Rockford

  I Live For Freedom As you know, I have been on vacation. It began on Monday morning in Missouri, and we arrived in Maryville, Tennessee that evening. The Lord graced us with beautiful sunshine every day that we were there. The first day we drove into the Great Smoky Mountains, around curves, up mountains, and into valleys all green and yellow that introduced the early autumn season. The beauty of it all gave me a piece of awe that you can only get when you know the love that was placed into such a sight as this. This is where my Cherokee ancestors lived. While there, I had the privilege of visiting the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in Cherokee, North Carolina. Between June 1838 through March 1839, approximately 16,000 Cherokee were removed from their tribal lands and relocated to Oklahoma. It is said that approximately 4,000 Cherokee died. My Great-Great Grandmother was six years old when she walked this trail. Her Mother, my Great-Great-Great Grandmother, was one of those 4

  In honor of my upcoming vacation and birthday, I thought posting a sweet poem would be appreciated.  We are traveling to see a part of the country that has meaning for me and some of my ancestors. There will be three of us on this adventure. My mother, my aunt Bonnie, and me. I will share a few photos on some of my social media accounts depending on the internet connection and when I return will share more photos on my blog.   A New Day and Year The beauty of trees and meadows below, Billowy fog lifts up, drifting, oh so softly though, Reaching for a mountain crest, Then pushed ever so lightly in the breeze, Up, up, to disappear only to return again, Again and again on the morning dew, When the sun rises above the pines and yews, Through trail and dell as sunlight appears, To announce the beginning of a new day and year.   God bless and have a blessed week. Love always, Laveda D. Rockford © 2023 Laveda D. Rockford