Friendship Transcends Prejudice and Discrimination
In the heart of the 1870s, the rolling hills of Missouri bore witness to a friendship that defied the societal norms of the time. Gabe, a Native American of the Arapaho Indian Tribe, and Thomas, his white best friend, shared a bond that transcended the prejudices surrounding them. However, the weight of discrimination cast a shadow over Gabe’s aspirations.
A Friendship That Defied Societal Norms
As Gabe and Thomas worked the field and contemplated their future, the conversation turned from their normal playful banter to Gabe’s impending journey to The Rolla School of Mines. Thomas, with genuine excitement, inquired about Gabe’s feelings toward the opportunity. But Gabe’s response was laced with frustration and disillusionment.
Healing of the Heart, Book 4
EXCERPT: Thomas’s chest heaved, and he leaned on his pitchfork. “Are you excited about heading to The Rolla School of Mines?” he asked his friend.
“Excited?” Snot flew from Gabe’s nostrils.
Any other time, Thomas would have made a juvenile remark, but this was no joking matter.
Gabe spat. “No. I’d rather use my knowledge of healing and be a doctor. But no one wants a medicine man. I’ll spend my days in the dark ages.”
Not just the dark ages, but the literal darkness. Thomas knew Gabe’s degree in metallurgy would do little more than help him secure a position in the Rolla mines as a menial laborer.
Harsh Realities of Prejudice and Discrimination
In that moment, Thomas understood the depth of Gabe’s anguish. The dreams of pursuing a career in medicine, like he was doing, were overshadowed by the harsh realities of prejudice and discrimination. It didn’t matter that healing was a part of Gabe’s cultural heritage and innate talents. Despite Gabe’s intellect and ambition, society’s narrow perceptions confined him to a fate dictated by his ethnicity.
Gabe’s reference to the “dark ages” resonated deeply with Thomas. He knew all too well that Gabe’s degree in metallurgy, though valuable in its own right, would confine him to a life tied to the mines of Rolla. The opportunities for Native Americans like Gabe were limited, and their talents were often overlooked or dismissed.
The plight of Native Americans in Missouri during the 1870s was characteristic of a broader pattern of prejudice and marginalization that permeated American society. Despite their rich cultural heritage and invaluable contributions to fields such as medicine, agriculture, and craftsmanship, Native Americans faced barriers that hindered their progress and perpetuated cycles of poverty and inequality.
Obstacles and Injustices
For Gabe and countless others like him, the journey toward realizing their dreams was fraught with obstacles and injustices. Yet, in the midst of adversity, their resilience and determination shone brightly, a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul.
As Thomas headed to medical school in Philadephia, Pennslyvania, he vowed to continue supporting Gabe in his pursuit of knowledge and fulfillment, despite the prejudices that sought to hold him back. Together, they would defy the darkness that threatened to engulf their hopes and aspirations, forging a path toward a future where equality and opportunity knew no bounds.
Throughout history, the stories of individuals like Gabe serve as reminders of the enduring struggle for justice and dignity. Though their voices may have been silenced by the passage of time, their legacy lives on as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.
If you’d like to learn more about Thomas and Gabe, read Healing of the Heart, the fourth book in my Discerning God’s Best series. Each story is a standalone novel, but best when read in order. Start with the FREE Prequel. Sign up for my newsletter to receive this novella in eBook and audiobook fomats.
*This is a deleted scene from Healing of the Heart. Read more deleted scenes here.
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You’re a new to me author. This sounds good. I’ll be looking for your books.
Thank you.