Meet BLAIRE BEECHY from WAGONS WEST
How would you describe yourself?
Well . . . I am . . . a widow. I hate the word, I can’t stand the thought, but that’s what I am. When Howard passed so suddenly and, uh . . . Well, I was a bit lost. For my adult life, I’d been his wife. I didn’t know what I was going to do.
I mean I couldn’t run the Carriage shop by myself. So, after the funeral, I, uh, decided we needed a new start—the children and I. The newspapers were full of stories about all the gold in California, so I sold everything, and we left for Independence.
I suppose you could say I was running away, but if I am anything, I’m a believer, and I believe God led me to go. Adeline—she’s my oldest—she hated the idea, but I knew. I just knew it was the right thing to do. I wanted her and Beatrice and my Tucker—he’s only twelve. I wanted them to have a better life, a new beginning.
I’m not one for worry or regrets. You know, Amy, the only real way we have to show God how much we love Him is our obedience. When life is all boiled down, nothing else matters. Does it? I am a woman of faith, and God sent me west, so I took my children and we went.
I want to thank you for having me over today, and for the tea and cookies. You are a blessing.
What is the most challenging thing in your life right now?
Well, once we arrived in Missouri, I discovered none of the wagon train master’s would take me on because I wasn’t married. Who would have thought they required a man as if a grown woman couldn’t make the trip with three half grown children to help.
Oh, my Addie was full of I-told-you-sos. That child was such a daddy’s-girl, and at that almost-grown, know-it-all-best age . . . you know how it is.
So, if I intended to get to California, I had to get myself a husband. I never wanted another one, but if God wanted us to mine for gold, I had to get to the fields, didn’t I? But I knew no prospects . . .
Well . . . so, I decided to marry myself a husband. One would that shouldn’t be too difficult in a town with ten men to every woman. Time was short though. What could I do? I went into Independence to hire a man to be my husband for the two-thousand-mile sojourn.
Which tea from our menu fits you the best?
I’m not much of a tea drinker to tell you the truth—which is the only thing I will tell you, the truth. I am a guardian of the truth, you see, and I hope all who know me would say you could take my words to the bank. Satan is the father of lies. Jesus said He is the Truth. It’s important to me to honor Christ always and only let truth pass my lips.
Anyway, this tea is delicious, but I do prefer coffee, and I drink it black.
Which sweet or savory item represents something from your life?
Let me think . . . a cinnamon roll? A chocolate pie? Or a pot of red beans simmered with fatback? I guess I’ll say an oatmeal raisin cookie might describes this journey I’ve undertaken. These are delicious, by the way. Did you bake them yourself?
Anyway, I believe I’m as solid and dependable as the oats herein. The delicious grains are a staple, providing sustenance in so many ways. Give us this day our daily bread, right? God surely does as I read and study His Word.
Losing my husband . . . Well, let’s just say I’ve spent my time in the oven. I’m not saying I think everything will be easy from here on out. I know troubles and trials are certain to come along the way, crossing the prairies, so may rivers, and the mountains . . . but there are the raisins.
Throughout this cookie, here and there, unexpectedly, one bites into a sweet raisin. They represent God’s many blessings in my life.
Time and time again, He blesses me, confirming I’m where He wants me, providing my needs—even the ones I’m unaware of. He sends them my way. And my children, they bring me such joy. God gives me His peace, too. That’s how I know He’s leading me, that I am on the right path—His peace.
It’s so good to know He is on the throne and in control!
I cannot wait to meet all of these interesting characters in Wagons West. Caryl McAdoo’s faith and creativity amaze me! This series is sure to grow us in knowledge of history and in faith.
Here is the purchase link: https://www.amazon.com/Wagons-West-Beginnings-Family-Saga-ebook/dp/B0BHTXY54F/
Here is the recipe for the BEST EVER Oatmeal Cookies from Bigger Bolder Baking! https://www.biggerbolderbaking.com/oatmeal-cookies-best-ever/
And in case you were wondering, here is how you make red beans simmered in fatback from DELISHABLY: https://delishably.com/grains/Worlds-Best-Red-Beans-And-Rice I am sure this would have been hearty and satisfying while travelling overland with prairie wagons!
As for coffee, this site shows us a bit about how coffee would have been made on the trail. https://www.jobcarrmuseum.org/blog/oregon-trail-foods-on-the-journey
Leave a Reply