Twenty years ago next month my family (my Dad, Mom, Sister, Grandfather, and I) all loaded up the family wagon and went to Independence Rock for a Masonic Meeting on the 4th of July. The wagon was used by my ancestors when they came out west to homestead. We parked the wagon about 3 miles away from the rock, hitched up the team, and rode in the wagon the rest of the way to the rock. When we got to the rock we "circled the wagons" with the others and camped out. My Dad and Grandfather all climbed to the top of the rock (along with about 100 other men) and had a held a state wide masonic meeting. All the while the women and children ran around and explored the rest of the area. It was amazing, we were able to climb up the rock and see all the signatures that most (at the time) didn't have access too.
Yesterday...Dad, Mom, and I took Lorelai to the rock. We had not been back since the wagon ride. It was great to see the rock, as well as take the next generation there. We all enjoyed walking around and seeing the signatures. It really meant a lot to my parents, that they were able to share it with Lorelai, just as my Grandfather had. Lorelai loved getting out and walking around. I still can't believe it has been 20 years since we were there last. I really need to make sure that I go back sooner next time.
