Family Photo

This day began in the dark at 5 a.m. as Sue and I drove to a Water Ceremony at the Columbia River led by indigenous women elders. As the sun rose and the gray, wet sky lightened gently and a few gulls wheeled overhead, the elders offered a prayer of humility for what we cannot control, a prayer of gratitude for what we still have, a prayer of hope for the children, a prayer of protection for the water, a prayer of safety for all beings on earth, in the waters, and in the sky. The Aztec Danza group led a dance for Mother Earth, and we ended with a prayer for safety of all those at Standing Rock. Because it was a ceremony and a prayer, they asked no photographs.

After that beginning, there was cooking with Sue’s family. Dinner with my son’s family, Juan released from the rehab hospital for the day, going home to Arizona tomorrow. Bittersweet. At the table, we all said what we are thankful for. Bella's answer moved us all: "Amor de mi familia."  (The love of my family.)