Stuck Backwards

There I sat, kayak turned backwards at the top of three tiers of rocks. The chilly water rushed over the front, filling my seat and soaking me. I was stuck.

Facebook Works - Five Tribes Story Conference

The Graceful Entrance

My mom and I arrived in Muskogee too late for checking into the hotel before the reception started, so we drove straight to the Five Civilized Tribes Museum. Please note: I was in my comfy four hour driving clothes and hadn’t put on make-up yet. Or plucked that one pesky chin hair.

As soon as we pulled into the parking lot, who else had just arrived? Tim Tingle, international Choctaw author and storyteller, and event co-coordinator. He waves and comes over to the car. I hold the tweezers inconspicuously. He insists we make him feel better for being casual and waits by the car to walk inside with us. So much for slapping on some make-up.

Givers

Choctaws are a giving people. How many examples do I see of this at Labor Day every year? I’ll just recount my personal ones from 2011.

A Tall Tale: Thirdy-Three Feet

Through my papaw came my Choctaw ancestry. I wrote this “tall tale” from a story he told us years ago.

In April of 2010, my papaw went on to be with the Lord. But he left his stories behind, and I want to dedicate this tale to him. It’s about the time he jumped thirdy-three feet (using his Oklahoma cowboy accent to his advantage).

The Journey - Part Two

Picking up the journey story from last week, my brother found the Robuck family cemetery. It was on private property, so we asked the neighbors if they knew anything about it. They were familiar with the property, its owner, and confirmed that it was indeed Robuck Cemetery.

The neighbor unlocked the gate for us. We could have driven up to it, but the walk was much better.

At the wood gate we carefully wrangled it open. I had never been in a private cemetery, and it felt like being in a movie.