March 4, 2011
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| See more Hailku HERE |
Don't look behind you
There is nothing there for you
Wise words from a friend
Mrs. Spadoman and I are on our way back to Wisconsin. I'm in a motel near Kansas City, MO this morning and plan on walking in my front door by dinner time this afternoon. We had a wonderful time together and I have some stories to tell, but all will have to wait as I use this space today to tell you of the passing of a great man in my life and in the lives of so many.
His name is Chris Leath. He is a Dakota Spiritual Elder and has been a friend and teacher of mine for over ten years. The first time I ever went into a Sweat Lodge it was with Chris. He led the Sundance ceremonies I attended. He has been the designated Spiritual Advisor for many events. The list of how much he helped and prayed for members of the community are endless.
The Haiku is something he tells us when we are ready to leave the Sweat Lodge. He reminds us to go forward and not dwell on the past, but rather seek answers to our problems. He suggests the Spirits of our ancestors that were in the lodge with us will take care of the problems we left there. There is nothing left but healing ahead of us.
I wrote about a period of time in my own life and how it relates to just one of the many lessons Chris has taught me. HERE is the story from an older post if you care to take a look.
Chris passed away yesterday from sickness and illness that he has been struggling with. I received the word via a phone call from a friend. I am sad, but no one knows the journey of a Spiritual Warrior better than Chris. He was a Veteran of the Korean War and a servant to the people.
His Spirit soars today with the Eagles
Mitakwe Oyasin
28 comments:
Sounds like a very wise and good man. A light has gone out.
Sorry for your loss - but you are obviously richer for having known him. I truly wish I had found a spiritual elder but I think the fault is more mine than there being none. I have a lot of trouble in the past that I've had a hard time leaving behind. It's true though that there is nothing there for me.
wonderful haiku. . . sadness for your friend
XXX
((((((((((( Spadoman )))))))))))))
Honour in knowing the man's, changed because of it.
the sun is finding its perfect place in this new day. as will you, as has your friend.
your haiku is powerful, given to you by chris so long ago, the first time he lead you into the Sweat Lodge.
now as you continue spreading your peace and careful footsteps on this earth chris remains in the Sweat Lodge caring for the heavy thoughts you and others will leave behind.
there is nothing left but healing ahead of us.
much love to you and great peace.
so sad for your loss - the world was richer because he was in it.
he is soaring with the eagles.
(((((((((((Hug)))))))))))))
Chris is ahead now
His words are healing for me
May you be at Peace
May your heart be lightened by the beautiful gifts that your friend gave you during his time on this planet.
Light and love on his wings and yours.
So sorry, Joe. You have written a very eloquent obituary. Clearly an outstanding man. There aren't very many. He lives on through you.
Peace.
Dear Joe,
I am so sorry to hear about your dear friend Chris, we all want to comfort you in this your sad hour.
May the spirit of Chris speak with you everyday, bringing back his wisdom to warm your heart and keep you ever close.
Big hugs from across the ocean,
Sue x
Sorry for your loss. I came via Rebecca's blog. Powerful words that he said to you. I will remember them too. Thank you. Peace to you.
I am sad for your loss. He has enriched your life. The world is a better place because of him.
I am so very sorry for the loss of your friend. I'm happy that you are able to travel back home to be with others as you celebrate his life.
x..x
So sorry for your loss. May he be granted eternal rest! His wisdom will be honored in all those lives he touched. Thanks be to God! Cathy
Sorry for the loss of your beloved friend and teacher.
Grandfather Eagle,
you know the one whose passing
made the mountains weep.
Dear Spadoman~ I am so sorry for yours and the world's loss. I do believe his spirit will remain to guide you. If he gave you a spirit guide--a heron, an eagle, etc.--please know you can communicate with your guide when it comes near and receive answers in that way from Chris Leath. Much love, Margaret
It sounds like you've got a lot to hold on to when it comes to the meaning your friend has come to represent in your life. My thoughts are with you in your loss.
I enjoyed this post very much.
Peace and love,
Gina
Dear Joe,
I just read this now. I have been out all day and finally made my way home.
Your friend is a Shaman. He will always be with you. His journey is not over as long as you hold him in your heart and memory and the healing force of his life remains strong in you. I am saddened for your grief my friend. You have suffered many losses. But this man helped you find yourself. In that he adds a double blessing. I am holding you in the light and thinking of you now and will keep you in my prayers and thoughts. here is a stanza from a Joy Harjo Poem and I am sending you the link. She is a Creek Indian poet very well known.
Peace, Love and Light,
Noelle
We were never perfect.
Yet, the journey we make together is perfect on this earth
who was once a star and made the same mistakes as humans.
We might make them again, she said.
Crucial to finding the way is this: there is no beginning or end.
You must make your own map.
~ Joy Harjo ~
(A Map to the Next World: Poems)
I'm very sorry for you loss. Peace be to your heart as Chris moves through his journey of life and into the next.
A very nice Haiku, sorry to hear about the sadness. your guiding light has shown you the path of peace!! He has moved on to a higher plane and may peace be your strength!!
"There is no death. Only a change of worlds." -Seattle Sleuth
But, I do love Chris's saying about not looking behind you. Very wise words indeed and very sad days for you ahead as you grief the loss of a friend and a guide. Perhaps now he will be a spirit guide for many more.
Big hugs to you...
Hey Joey, the haiku and words about Chris are really nice. Flying with the Eagles absolutely. You wrote a good tribute. Down at PI today, it still seems unreal. He leaves a big footprint in this world for us to walk in and be guided, bless him. Bless you all and welcome home -Pamela
i am so sorry for your loss, folks like that are hard to come by in this world...sounds like he will prepare the way though...and the words, most profound...best wishes to you
My heart ached to hear of your loss and sadness, but is fuller for all your sharing. Birds of a feather, I'd say...Thank you.
Thank you all so very much for the kind words and thoughts. I'll be attendingn the funeral this morning, (Monday). Chris will be honored and remembered by the many people whose lives he touched.
Thank you
Peace.
It's so sad to know that someone we love and cherish is no longer in the world to be visited but I'm sure your friend and spiritual mentor will come to live in your heart. His heart and yours are wide and deep.
sometimes i look back,
to gently remind myself
how far i have come...
So sorry for your loss.
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