Elders: Letting Go

In my life, I have had to let so many people go. This loss has been to time, death, hardships betrayals, moving, or life occurring. It is funny that as I write this, after the passing of my favorite Uncle, that my own mortality is very present and those who have been a part of my whole life, I see will not always be there.  It is strange that as I age, death seems closer at hand. I, as many others, are watching our Elders pass and we will soon replace them as the Elders of our community. That those who have guided me and raised me all of my life will cease to be a part of this lifetime for me.  

So as a up and coming elder, what is it that I want to pass on to the youth?  What is it that I want to work on that I can share with those younger than I?   What kind of leader do I hope to be?  I mean those in my life have truly planted deep rooted seeds of life, love, experience, heritage, so how can I continue to share the story of my ancestors? 

What happens, when my end in this lifetime comes, what is the story that others will share about me?  Thinking of my Uncle and what he has left me, I know that greatness runs in my blood.  My cousin Ericka and I have often said we are Plater Women, we can do anything. I now feel that saying, I really know that I can do anything, and that I am the only person that can stop me.  

I am also learning the importance of family. I will make time to do other things, but must make time for those whose blood I share. Now this does not mean blood relative. I have family members that I know their blood is of my own, even if we are in no way related. They just feel close to me, I refer to them as my soul family because it goes deeper then blood. 

I am letting go of many things, I am releasing so many things, I have said goodbye to things, and see you later to others.  So as I get up, brush the dust off.  I raise my head high and...

I take my place as an Elder!