"SACK MY DEAR..."

Unless you live in Utah or have knowledge of the Mormon faith and history, some of what you read won't be easy to understand. As I said when I first started this story, I come from a long line of good people who believed in different faiths. I do not judge, only respect someone for having that faith and belief. Besides, that's not what this story is about.  And although it's hard for even me to understand things that happened, I'm still in awe of what they went through. Especially Sarah.....

Some of you may decide not to continue their journey, and I understand. Thanks for reading this far and I hope you enjoyed it. But if you do keep reading you'll learn, as I have from them, what it means for a woman to truly love a man, and for a man to do what he believes is his duty, yet always remember his first true love.....

"Redeemer of Israel, our only delight,
On whom for a blessing we call,
Our shadow by day and our pillar by night,
Our King, our deliverer, our all.

These are the words to a song Sarah always sang when something troubled her. This day, she started singing it to keep back the tears.  She had just waved goodbye to Canute who was headed to Salt Lake City, and turned to go into the house. But she stopped short of entering and sat for a minute remembering what had been said only a week before....

It had been a little over a month since Canute returned from Norway. Five long years had passed and they had been busy getting adjusted again after their long separation. They sat in the kitchen, which being the largest room in the house also did duty as a bedroom and a parlor. He had told her of his good and bad days. Of hunger, freezing temperatures, warm days, good meals, fine people and the joy of teaching others of his beliefs. He talked of their journey through the plains, building their home, making fine friends and the deep love he feels for his 'Sack'.

That night Sarah was spinning wool as Canute started reading the Bible. All the children were tucked in bed and Sarah thought of how good and happy life had become. She thought of her family and how she missed them, but didn't regret joining this new religion she believed in. She thought of her expanded little family and how it made her heart swell knowing there was so much love between them all.

Canute suddenly put down his book and said "Sack my dear..."

"Yes Canute, what is it?"

" I am expected to take another wife. Do I have your permission to do so?"

The spinning wheel stopped, as did her heart. The crucial, dreaded moment had arrived. She silently offered a prayer for strength, she knew that it was inevitable. The leaders of the church had all taken new wives, as did some other men in the communities. She knew she was no better than the other wives, they had made these decisions. Could these feelings be selfishness? No, even Sarah knew there was none of that within her. But she didn't know what this feeling of not welcoming the idea of sharing her husband was.

She must decide, Canute was waiting for an answer. She could say no.
That was the existing law of the church. A man could not take another wife without the permission of the first wife. And some did say no.....
Sarah cleared her throat, and with all she had in her to cover her mixed up emotions. she calmly answered "If that's what is expected of you, Canute, of course it's what you must do".

Canute came to her and held her tight. Then told her how sweet and brave she was, how he could imagine what her feelings were right now and told her what his were. He'd rather just have Sarah as his sweetheart and wife, she was enough for him. But they both believed in this church and it was an existing law.

They sat again and Sarah asked Canute who the girl was, did he have someone in mind?

He shifted in his seat, cleared his throat and said he had been thinking of Marie. She and her family had been so good to him in Norway. And he believes she would fit in very well and be a great help to this little family they had. With all the blood seemingly to have drained from her heart, Sarah agreed that seems to be a good choice.

When Canute asked Marie the important question a few days later, she gladly consented, as she had secretly admired Canute for a long time.. Her family had also came to Utah and she shared her wonderful news with them. So on November 9, 1857 , Sarah had waved goodbye to Canute, Marie, her mother and sister and sat singing her song....
 
Looking up, Sarah saw Emma, her beloved and trusted friend standing by the doorway with tears streaming down her face. Sarah got up and quickly hugged Emma, crying in wordless silence. They stayed that way for some time until they could again talk.

"I saw them leave Sarah and I heard you singing your comfort song, the one you always sing to cover up your pain. I can feel how deeply this hurts you."

"Oh Emma, I'm ashamed of my weakness. I feel it's right, even if I don't truly understand. I guess it's just another cross we pioneers must bear. But Emma, I love him so much and it's hard knowing I'll have to share him with another."

" Yes Sarah, I know what you mean. I only hope I can be half as graceful as you when the test comes to me. You're so broadminded and generous. And strong, not weak Sarah."

"Well Emma, lets have a little bite to eat. Things never look as bleak on a full stomach. and mines pretty empty right now."

They laughed at this and began setting the table and preparing a meal. Then the laughter of the children, the friendship of Emma and her desire to move on with life helped ease the pain she still felt in her heart. And Sarah knew she would get through this...........


If you're reading this, you've decided to stay and see what happens in this continuing story of my Great Great Grandparents. There's much more to come. I'll try to add more as I can. Thanks for your visit.......


I'll see ya yesterday