Tears", the shameful blot on our
Country's history in 1830 when the
Southeastern Indian tribes were forced to
Relocate in the west.
Four thousand Cherokees died on their
Treacherous trek to Oklahoma.
But a few brave souls refused to leave.
They hid in the nooks and crannies of the
Mountains and couldn't be found or
Flushed out.
They nearly starved.
But finally the authorities gave in and
Allowed them to stay.
Some of their ancestors live in the town of
Cherokee, North Carolina.
As my friends and I ate dinner at one of
The local restaurants I suspected that our
Lovely waitress was of Native American origin.
She was.
Her name is Rayne.
And amazingly, her great, great grandmother
Was one of the courageous women who
Fled for her life and hid in the hills.
Rayne has a young daughter who is
Learning to speak Cherokee in school.
In fact, it is the sole language spoken in
Her classes.
These descendents of the first Americans are
Trying to retain their roots, trying to keep
Their heritage alive.
Will they succeed?
I don't know, but I admire them for
Their efforts.
And I admire the fortitude of Rayne's
Great, great grandma who risked
Everything to gain her freedom and
Won.