In memorial of our dear Grandmother and Abenaki sister of Carl:

image courtesy of Mary Birchenough

In our Abenaki tradition I have been taught that we do not use a person’s name out loud after they have crossed.  They are said to be traveling across the milkyway for the first year (or first cycle of seasons).  The intention is not to distract or call them back from their journey, so very important.

I think of her being helped by her dog Awasos, the teaching I’ve learned and not sure it is Abenaki, is to treat your dogs well, for they will help you on this journey.  I know she is in good hands, or should I say paws – she treated Awasos very well and there was a great love with him.

Another tradition is to make a spirit plate for her at each meal, so she has nourishment on her journey.  I am committed to doing this for the year.  You may join me at any meal and make a spirit plate of your own – and know that meal is a pot luck – she would love that – she always ate well at pot lucks, perhaps better than at any other time 🙂

image courtesy of Mary Birchenough

Grandmother N – Grandmother, turtle clan, was adopted by Grandmother Doris, Mourning Dove Minckler, as her daughter and ancient teachings and traditions passed to Grandmother in this way.Recognized by many as an Abenaki elder, she spent a good deal of her life dedicated to passing women’s teachings – moontime teachings from her traditions to any woman that had asked for them.  Her gift was to show, help, guide and encourage women to remember their self-worth, their self-value and their self-honor, which was accomplished through the sharing and practice of these teachings along with the sharing of prayer, song and ceremony as it applied.  She left many women with beautiful, strong and knowing hearts.

It is a part of our Abenaki prophecies, in my best understanding the women have a responsibility to heal themselves and to heal their relations with other women.  When this happens, it is believed it will be the beginning of a greater peace in the world.

For all of you that grieve and whose hearts may be heavy and even for those whose hearts may be lighter, for they are focused on her passage into a good place and into no more pain, I offer you my most heartfelt thoughts and prayers.

With Big Love,

Grandmother‘s adopted daughter,

Tatjana

Note from Stephanie: