Chance

this weekend i was at the beginning 

of what could be a new beginning.

i found myself bearing witness to a woman 

with a chance in front of her.

there was a room full of people who care.

a young mother sat in the center of all her children.

surrounded by cultural items, indian wealth all carefully laid across tables...

hands, heads, backs-

the regalia danced in healing circles around a room full of song

learning

laughter

and the big cousins taught the babies how to dance themselves into existence 

as indian people

and the children had pride, showed strength

wore resilience

it took the form of abalone,

feathers...

i hope the mother gets her children back.

i hope Del Norte works with the family to facilitate a culturally appropriate plan of care.

i hope the family gets to keep teaching it's children how to dance...