My healing journey

I had COVID last week and I also had pneaumonia. It was scary at times to say the least. I take all the necessary precautions and I felt very grateful that I was fully vacccinated and I have had my booster shot. Without this I am not sure I would have made it.

I had time to reflect on life as one often does when dealing with a health crisis. At times I could not breathe due to my coughing. It made me think about my oldest granddaughter who name is Oniya, which means breath of life in our language. Sometimes we take for granted how precious each breath is and how sacred our life and all life is.

During my free time I did a lot of reading as it is what I do. I read two books, one was called The Least of These which is about the history of meth and fentanyl which was a very powerful book. I learned a lot and while it was gutwrenching it was also very inspiring. Another one was called Legacy by a First Nations woman in Canada who wrote about her intergenerational trauma and that of Indigenous people throughout North American. I learned a lot about the impact of trauma. Also, I gained valuable insights into how powerful and resilient our people are.

I also watched some T.V. This included watching a number of nature videos on You Tube which had healing music. I especially enjoyed the ones with waterfalls. I don't know what I find so serene and peaceful about waterfalls but it definitely calms my spirit.

And I had much to be grateful for during this time. It was just another reminder of how blessed I am. My wife attended to my every need. She is the most loving, kind, compassionate and generous person I know. And there is my dog, Sunka, who at one point when I was outside coughing came and just sat next to me to let me know he feels my pain. And you know what DOG spelled backwards is right!

I also want to take this time to thank all my friends, family members and those who I work with for their thoughts and prayers. I greatly appreciate all your positive thoughts and I know they have helped me to restore my health. I am not back all the way yet so I still have to take it easy but I am so much better thanks to your positive energy.

So now it is time for me to re-enter the world again. I will do my best to make the world a better place and I know you will too.

Heca Te Alo Mitakuye Oyasin -And so it is all my relations, may Tunkashila bless and keep each and everyone of you!