2019-Year of Transformation

It’s been a transformative year here at Indigenous Roots.
Last February Mom crossed over after many years with Alzheimer’s, and it’s been a year of mourning, stepping into and out of the memories, and taking time to stop and feel the grief. As soon as I returned from Ohio we had the first Into The Bones weekend, with a full enrollment and vibrant, diverse women from all over the state. Witnessing women reclaiming their soul/song is an indescribable gift, and I honor their willingness and courage.
During the Summer, Grady and Jerry created a large tent platform to house at least 6, and Jerry began work on the death lodge.
We had classes here, clients, and held ceremony throughout the year.
In late Summer, early Fall, Dad decided it was time to sell his house in Ohio, and he would be moving here. At the same time a dear friend was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer stage 4. Of course this was all happening as Jerry was building the death lodge. As it was, Annie’s death was fast approaching and she wisely decided to stay at her cozy home. Some things are better kept private, but I will share that Annie’s last months of life were full of love and teachings, and her death was peaceful, and it brought a community of compassionate, warm souls together to care for, and honor her. Before she passed, she gave permission to name the death lodge Annie’s Cottage. Next year Echinacea will be planted around it in her memory. We held an Open House in December that was well attended and the lodge was blessed with ceremony.
During this time we went to Ohio and packed and gave away 84 years of Dad’s stuff. It was difficult, and we all made it through still loving each other. He moved here, and stayed for over 3 months, but lost his confidence here, with unfamiliar roads and weather. He’s back home in Ohio and just met his great- granddaughter Maritima. So, life continues, the cycles continue, and we ride the tides with grace and humor.
I want to thank the students, those that came to Into The Bones, those who attend ceremony, those who attended the Open House, the clients who find their way here, for your trust and your dedication to beauty, and balance. Although there is much to heal in our current world, you are all part of this incredible shift. You are helping the world to remember it’s song through remembering your own. You are all clearing lineages of patriarchy, colonization and ancestral wounds. You are showing up, sometimes trembling in fear, and yet leaning into the unknown anyway. Many of you are claiming your gifts and walking into the world with a strong back and sharing them. I look around at our community and I am filled with hope for our children and Earth. It’s been an honor to serve you, and I look forward to stepping into the new decade together, knowing we are always held. ❤️