I can't believe we are already 18 days into another new year... so far I have spent my time in semi-hibernation mode. I haven't made any resolutions, but have decided to make a few changes in my life. I have been in a sleep deficit mode for quite some time and my body was beginning to protest, so I finally decided to try to catch up on some sleep. But it seems like the more sleep I get, the more tired I become. I'm not complaining. I really do love to sleep, and I'm grateful I have a nice warm bed to sleep on. I'm just not sure it's supposed to work that way.
The other day I was at the bus depot to pick up my son. While I was waiting, I saw another native sitting in the waiting area with some other people. They were sharing a can of sardines and a box of Banquet Chicken. We made eye contact as I was going to get a cup of coffee, and when I got back he gave me the nod... you know how natives always nod up instead of down when they want to acknowledge you? Anyway, he approached me and asked if I was native. After I told him my name and where I was from, he told me he was from Navajo Nation. I laughed and asked what he was doing traveling up here in the winter time. He told me he lived in the streets. Then I asked why in the world he decided to live on the streets up here in the very cold northwest rather than in the warmer southwest. He just laughed and told me he meant to go home, but just hasn't gotten around to it yet. Wow. Another lost Indian.
Speaking of lost Indians, I got a call from my brother Gary. Well, he's not lost anymore, but he was lost to us for a long time. He was born to my dad's first wife and adopted out when he was a baby. We finally met about 10 years ago. It was very cool... when we met for the first time it was like we had known each other our entire lives and he was never gone. Anyways, he called to tell me he found a letter in a bunch of his files. He always wanted to register with our band up in Canada, but never knew how to go about it. I told him I would help him if he wanted. Well, it turns out he was already registered. The letter he had was dated back to 1982, and was a confirmation of his registration with his mom's band. He was in shock because he never knew. I haven't told him yet, but he can now officially give the native nod. How cool is that? Hey, happy new year brother!
