Relatives

Michael Stocker
[from newsletter 10]

Dear Relatives

The turning of the seasons again has brought many changes to our community; some very happy, some very sad, but in the way of Creator, I'm sure it is all good. Some of our family has passed on to the spirit world, others have moved away; but we also see many new faces around the fires, new programs, ideas and prayers.

We are all sad to see Big-Spirited Joe Slattery pass on after three years of his heroic effort to live with failing lungs. His memorial service was attended by many folks from all over the continent—a testimony of the reach of his good influence. He will continue to inspire us all. Prayers for his parents Pat and Candi, and companion Anne Murphy. Cheyenne Elder and Roadman Billy Ralph Turtle crossed over March 15. Those who knew him remember his humor, his songs, his willingness to share his gifts with all, and his love for the Medicine. Prayers for him, for his wife Lena, and his family. Board member Marilyn Walker saw the passing of both of her parents within a short time of each other this autumn. Prayers of comfort for Marilyn and her daughter Naomi.

We built a new lodge at San Dominico School on October with the young women in Sean Burns' and Tanya Carlone's World Religions class. It was tinder dry at the time, so we were unable to "fire it up," though we had a very beautiful and moving prayer circle with the class; the lodge is still there. Deep gratitude to the school, Principal Matt Heerscha and Director Sister Gervaise Valpey for their gracious hospitality.

We received a grant from Angeles Arrien Foundation to support our "Sweats for People in Recovery" program. Thanks to the folks at Angeles Arrien, Michael Speilman of DAAC who is hosting the sweats, board member Brian Elder for putting his shoulder behind the grant, and Pam Stark for paving the way. Prayers for the success of this very worthwhile program. Pam has taken a leave from the Board to really put her time in at her work. She was honored as "Gold Employee" for her dedication. We agree, and look forward to her coming back on board in the future.

Fred and Kevin spent a few days at "Families First" in Davis last December, sharing native ways with young boys Ð about 80 all told. Fred also held a sweat for Holos Foundation—a community of therapists, hosted by Shai Levine. Thanks to Shai for putting so much into this regular event!
We went up to Buck Rock Ranch to visit with Kyra Auerbach, her brother Joel and companion Judd. They have offered us the use of their ranch for our Spring Hambleche. This is a very beautiful and sacred spot. Buck Rock has a clear, prayerful legacy, and should be an exquisite spot for a visit with Creator. Call Fred or me if you want to help or quest (May 5Ð9). If the location has any bearing on it, it will be a very nice ceremony. Blessings to Verlinda and Sheila for their ceremonial site "Wolf Dream Mountain," where we had our last two Vision Quests. Thanks for your hospitality.

Thanks everyone for your donations toward a wood splitter. We now have the funds to pick up a nice one, and are just waiting for the rainy season to slack off before we set into it. We discussed naming it the H.M.S. Richard Lieberman, to honor our "late" brother. Happy fifth birthday to his son Jeramiah.

Brino and Kierstan have been zipping all over the planet performing as clowns, bringing joy to our relatives in Russia with Dr. Patch Adams. Brino is writing a book as well. Great to see both of you, "married by the pipe" and sprouting creativity all over the globe.

Thanks so much to Daren, Nancy and Quinn Dillon for hosting a lodge in Livermore. They have moved on to Phoenix for business, so there is another good family in Arizona. They donated the blankets and tarp, so Mona Reed and David Lemon are picking up this sweat in San José. Good luck to the Dillons in their new digs, and loads of gratitude to David and Mona for all you do (such as publishing this newsletter).

Wolf Wahpepah just had his big 4-Oh birthday in December. We are honored to know someone who has done so much for so many people at any age, but I am humbled by knowing how much he has accomplished in his years on our earth.

Prayers of healing to Lisa Wahpepah's mom, Nancy Littlefield and her journey with cancer, and Fred's sister Myrna Wright, who has a new set of knees.

Barbara Omaha is putting together a non-profit organization to support her work. Keep your ears to the wind to see how you can help. (Also prayers for her health.) Ongoing prayers for Kristina Flannigan to support her dream of growing Satsong Ranch into a center for healing and Ayuervedic Medicine. Thanks as always for your warm hospitality.

Congratulations to Karaina Black and David Rudder with their new child Daniel Timothy Black.

By June, Fred's wife Laura will be finishing her schooling as a Nurse Practitioner. She will probably work in pediatrics, and undoubtedly do some great healing. Congratulations for your hard work, and thanks to your whole family for supporting you in this endeavor.

As we head into Sundance Season, I would like to thank Michael Two Feathers and Charles Fast Horse for their powerful prayer, keeping the Pilot Rock Sundance strong. The Four Nations Sundance is coming; if you want to help, call Rick Goche at 541 396-6886 or just arrive early with lots of energy.

It occurs to me that with all of the support we get from our relatives, we need to find more ways to support our relatives. If we all work on this basis, it can only get better . . .

A ho, Michael Stocker
[from newsletter 10]

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