Reflections of Oneself

Did you know that we are the same shadow? Our souls are friends. Our smiles are formed from the same spirit and we speak from the same heart. Yet, there are times when the shadow is not visible. Our souls are empty, our smiles are no longer, our spirit has waned, and our heart is longing for the smile of the soul on the shadow of the spirit to return.

They'll Know We Are Choctaw By Our Heart

Raised by the son of a Dawes Rolls, original enrollee, I learned that my heart is a Choctaw heart.
“There is something beyond our culture, beyond our native language, and beyond our stewardship of the earth that identifies us. It is something that unites us as a nation and connects us to all nations and that is heart bound by a rich tradition of servant leadership. We strive for the good and well-being of all people. It’s in our hearts to reach out and positively affect change throughout the communities in which we live and serve to enrich our state with opportunity and to help provide (all people) with bright futures. To give them confidence to nurture their own families and pursue their own ambitions. It’s in our hearts to respond to those in need, to provide them with shelter, love and care. To be the first there and the last to leave. It’s in our hearts to share our traditions of art, dance and storytelling as a means to, not only strengthen our own people but to cultivate an understanding of the gifts we all hold dear. “ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czsZ0T45jx4
My father lived to be 98 years old and during the entire time I knew him, he never spoke an unkind word about anyone. His kind, friendly, and outgoing manner, left people with smiles on their faces and peace in their hearts. His nature was to listen, without interruption, and then reply in a few words, but those words were always well chosen. His humor, though dry, was like an arrow always hitting the bulls eye. The family he belongs to is warm and loving, always providing comfort and support. He gave me many unspoken gifts that I will treasure forever, and use them as he did, in his honor.

The Next Foothold In Life....

It's been awhile. Years, in fact, but life continues on. When we get to the lone, scrub oak that is perched upon the small, earthen mound, adjacent to the redwood, stake fence, beside the driveway, we can sit awhile and I will tell you the tale of calm seas and inflated egos.