Hello world - This past week has been one I will never forget - roller coaster of emotions and being busy. Spent the day with the community and Madams family and friends from all over. Working this week on preparing the Eulogy that would give a proper tribute to, well as our Chief Kurt Buffalo called her today - The Mother of Our Nation. As he was speaking, I thought - yes that is exactly who she is and will be remembered as. At the request of the family, I did my best to share her life, to ensure the values she believed in were expressed - Love-Hontesty-Courage-Humilty- Truth- Wisdom. They asked me to include memories they had that demonstrated her beautiful sense of humor, highlight her achievements and her legacy - her Family. I finally finished yesterday and shared it with one of the daughters who gave her approval, telling me not to change anything. The services unfolded just as it should have. Willie Littlechild was asked to be the Master of Ceremony and kept things rolling along. Elders of the community did the Pipe Ceremony. Priscilla Dion put together a beautiful power-point presentation of Florence - it was so uplifting. Chiefs of the Maskwacis Cree - Chief Buffalo, Chief Ermineskin, Chief Threefingers and Chief Strongman - spoke eloquently about their former colleague. Councilman Larron Northwest spoke on behalf of the Council. Donna Potts-Johnson graced us with her awesome voice singing a song Florence loved. Her brother Joe Dion spoke on behalf of the family. Then came the time for me to deliver the Eulogy - I have to admit I was concerned that emotions would take over, I did not want to break down but rather deliver it with feelings and dignity that I know the family wanted. So I started thinking of all the years I worked for her - I wrote many political speeches and briefs for her. And even after I left working at Samson, she would call on me. This one time when I was working in Ottawa, she called me - she was in a meeting and were going through a legal documents, there was a section that they didnt understand so she called me to explain it. I laughed and said one of the councillors had a legal degree and she said oh she isnt making any sense lol. So she read it to me and I went through it with her - as I was talking to her, she was repeating what I was saying so the Chief and Council would know what I was saying. Oh now that makes sense - they got it...lol....so when we were done with that but before she hung up I told Madam you have to cut the cord - I dont work for you any more She snapped back no I wont, I know I can always call on you. This memory made me smile because as I stepped forward to deliver what I had prepared I realized she orchestrated getting me to work one more time for her, what a wonder woman - I told the gathering that I was honored to be able to complete my work for Madam. I delivered it exactly how I wanted - I felt her near me and now that I am home writing this, the tears are now coming but I feel good - I feel blessed to have had her as a friend, a mentor and a second mother. Hai Hai Mikoh Phew Skwew
Posted on: Sun, 07 Dec 2014 01:36:49 +0000
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