Train Late?..... Train always late. The Tall Blackfoot Man announced. He appeared out of the darkness where my dog friend was last seen. He wore a woodland camo BDU shirt wrangler blue jeans and Red Chuck Taylor Sneakers. He askedd if we were waiting for the Train?
Yes we replied in unison. "Is this your Mother?" when we answered yes he bowed his head and took Mom's hand he quickly commented about Mom's hands twisted and gnarled from years of rheumatoid arthritis. He asked to hold her hands. Mom would comment later how warm his hands were and how her hands felt different afterward.
He then began a story, serving in the Army during Vietnam he related that before he went "In Country" His mother gifted him a "Swiss Army Knife" He carried thru his tours of Viertnam. His mother was also responsible for packing fresh food for his journey in his Expedition size Cooler what most people would carry for a group this man carried for himself.
Our Friend hitchiked across country after returning from Vietnam, he mentioned that his mother was fond of pottery he found himself in New Mexico and the Sky City of Acoma.
Finding a vendor with some beautiful pottery our friend reached in his pocket to discover he did not have enough to pay for this one particular piecce of pottery.
He felt his swiss army knife, the one his mother gave to him. He began to take it out of hispocket to trade.... "Grande!, Grande! the vendor cried and pointed to our friend's feet.
The Native looked at the vendors feet he judged them to be the same size. Our friends Chuck Taylor's were worn thin and torn. The man with the pottery only spoke spanish. Thru signing a deal was made a piece of pottery for our friends well worn sneakers.
Our friend carefully packed the pottery, unpacked a brand new pair of Chuck Taylor's.
"I got my Mother a pot from Acoma and I got to keep my swiss army knife.
I love that story and I love that piece of time which has been forever captured in my mind.
Native American's love their Mother's and show great respect. Dawn and I are blessed with the Mother (Great Spirit, GOD) let us choose.
Love You Mom
