Thinking of Far Away Friends

The photo above was taken on my tribes land in front of our Msi Kah Miqui (Tribal Council House). In the photo are my best friend in the whole world's wife and daughter along with me. It was probably taken before one of our ceremonies just a few years ago. I've got a lot of really great memories from our land and the celebrations of our ancient traditions each year in the spring, summer, and fall.

Willie just contacted me to tell me that his wife, Sue, is having surgery tomorrow on her thyroid. Willie and Sue are family, and it's challenging to be so far from family during times like this. One can feel helpless.

But the reality is that although there are many things that cannot be done, there are a few things that can. While we can not always visit, we can make phone calls, send texts, and even let others know who might be able to help out more. We can also send cards, make meals, and express our care from afar. Sometimes we can even blog. ;)

Sue is an incredible mother and wife, and does a great job caring for her family and friends. On the many many occasions where I have found myself in their town for sundry reasons, she has always been amazing in her provision of accommodations and food. She has been my airport shuttle on multiple occasions (and has done the same for other family members too!), and she regularly gives of her time to care for others.

Here's to hoping for a safe and successful surgery and a quick recovery for my far away friend Sue!

And here's to hoping that you might find time to contact a far away friend who just might need to hear from you in the middle of a difficult situation.

Car Problems

Well, I just commenced my journey to Florida today, and it has been eventful thus far. I planned to leave early in the morning and head toward Parkersburg to meet with a few people and get some last minute work done before moving farther south. On the way along route 50, a reddish liquid began to splash against my windshield. I pulled over, and popped the hood. My transmission fluid hose had come loose, and all of my transmission fluid was pouring over the highway and out of my car. Good Times! Thankfully, I knew just what to do, and tightened a clamp on the hose. After doing this, I thankfully had a half quart of fluid to add to the car. It wasn't sufficient to go for the long haul, but it was just enough to get me to parkersburg, where I drove immediately to a Chrysler dealership and had a diagnostic run on my car. (The check engine light came on shortly after my little transmission debacle.) Thankfully my transmission system was intact, and the mechanic just added three quarts of fluid. Of course neither the diagnostic check nor the fluid were free, but I think the guy respected the fact that I made the drive, and knew what I was doing with regard to the vehicle, so he walked me through the whole diagnostic, and confirmed everything I had believed to be true. It is comforting to have my diagnosis seconded by an expert. It is also cmforting to receive that confirmation prior to a long road trip, and not in a strange place along the way.