Treadin' Trodden Trails

A truly humble person rarely stumbles , he contended, because such a person walks with his face toward the Earth and therefore can see the path ahead.
--Grandpa Albert, Lakota Elder

Walking With Grandfather by Joseph M. Marshall III is my present favorite read. My wise elder sister Carol gave it to me for a birthday gift. She knows the significance of Lakota traditions in Aaron's life. He passed his experience on to us by introducing the native sweat lodge ceremony to me in January last year. Carol, Cathy, myself, and several friends participated in a sweat ceremony for Aaron a week after his death. Madison is fortunate to have a wise family who continue the sacred ceremonies of the native people. I was blessed to be invited to a ceremony in January, just days after Aaron arrived home from Mount Bachelor. He was thrilled to be able to attend with his Dad. I was impressed with his knowledge of the tradition and how well he communicated with the people who carry on the tradition of their ancestors.

What stayed with me this last year about the tradition is its power. Nothing I ever experienced in our traditions and religious practice left me feeling so close to God, or the Lakota word Wakantanka which might be translated to the "Great Mystery". In the native cultures there is no first or last, no higher or lower form of life on the earth. All forms of life have a place in the circle of life. The great equalizer is life and death. And death is embraced.

I was driving home from Green Lake two days ago. I passed many places where Aaron and I had paddled our canoe, hunted ducks, and walked in the woods. Footprints crossed my mind. What happened to Aaron's footprints? Aaron's shoes, which haven't been claimed by Patrick, still have earth in the soles. I wondered if the earth preserved any of Aaron's footprints. Later that day I started my new book. On page 24, Wakantanka answered my question: The tracks we leave on the land will disappear over time. The tracks we leave in the hearts and minds of others will never fade. I cherish hearing from my Aaron.

Months ago I wrote about my admiration and respect for well written thoughts. I'd like to finish this post with words that speak to me from my son, by Joseph Marshall III:

There are many trails on the overall journey that is life, and there are many who travel a trail with us, sometimes briefly. But all the travelers we encounter on our journey have something to teach us...

...I think he was going home, wherever that was. Though we had given him sustenance and comfort, and he was grateful to us for that, his greater loyalty-and love- he led for someone or something else. I believe in my heart that he finally did make it home...

...I think he came to us because he needed us, but he also brought us a gift...

Walking humbly,

Tom

The title, Treadin' Trodden Trails is a verse from Dave Mathews, not my creation.