Strong support message from Penobscot relatives (Indian Island res.)

In the wake of Eldri's sudden and serious heart situation, and Maria's on going medical challenges, we have received a great many very supportive messages from the Four Directions. All are enormously appreciated. In various ways, I have responded via e mail to all of those. Eldri is doing well at home. Maria and I and Josie (who is over frequently with The Babies) assist her. John (Beba) arrived last night from the Fargo/Moorhead setting.


As I've indicated, our family is extremely cohesive (and fighters all). We are also much aware of the highly beneficial power emanating from spiritual forces. 


Here is a strong support message, in part reflecting those spiritual forces, from some of our relatives in the forests of Maine.


Catholicism is very old and very strong among the Wabanaki Indians of Maine, Quebec, and the Maritime provinces. It's syncretic, blended in various ways with the traditional perspectives. The church on the Indian Island Penobscot reservation -- St Ann's -- was founded in 1688. Much of the liturgical art was done long ago by Joseph Orson, who himself was almost blind. His paints were totally made from wild berries and some bark. I've worshipped there. (H)

 -----Original Message-----
From: george
Sent: Sunday, August 31, 2014 11:33 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: We are most appreciative indeed

Hunter Bear, I was thankful to be near my parents when major medical issues became reality. Other than an occasional nose bleed, my dad never said anything or complained. When he did, I drove him to the emergency room at St. Joseph's. . . . .


Neither of my parents were much for complaining. Both lived to their eighties and had survived pretty amazing events in their lives. I am convinced these abilities to survive came from their absolute belief in a forgiving and loving God. And, I also noticed that the elders in this community had organized and shared their beliefs, memories, and regularly socialized.


The reason I mention this is your family centers around you and your wife, Eldri. In many ways, this aligns with my dad's sister Geraldine "Gerry" Tomer Solomon and her husband, Charles Wilfred "Wimpy" Solomon. My uncle survived her passing within a circle of children, grand-children, and great-grandchildren who continuously were involved in his life. He died in his sleep ostensibly of old age. My aunt died of multiple causes aggravated by type-1 diabetes.


I believe that you will both live long lives; and, from what I hear through your stories, there is a strong family connection filled with love. Moreover, there is an ongoing, fervent belief in the Lord throughout your family. The body mechanics must correctly identify what's bothering her, but her family's belief and love are continuous, positive factors. Meanwhile, I hope her husband [my cousin of the Gray Clan] remembers to take of himself during this crisis.


We look forward to hearing more - your extended family members in Maine, 
George, Linda, and Andrew








HUNTER GRAY [HUNTER BEAR/JOHN R SALTER JR] Mi'kmaq / 
St. Francis Abenaki / St. Regis Mohawk 
Protected by Na´shdo´i´ba´i´ 
and Ohkwari' 


Check out our massive social justice website:
www.hunterbear.org
Member, National Writers Union AFL-CIO


The Stormy Adoption of an Indian Child [My Father]:
http://hunterbear.org/James%20and%20Salter%20and%20Dad.htm
(Photos)


My expanded/updated "Organizer's Book,"
JACKSON MISSISSIPPI -- with a new 10,000
word introduction by me. Covers much of my 
confrontational social justice organizing life to
date. Contains much how-to grassroots organizing
methodology: http://hunterbear.org/jackson.htm


Forest Fires in the West (including the life of an old-time
fire lookout: http://hunterbear.org/forest_fires_in_the_west.htm