2/18/2018

Supai Wake

One week ago today I got a text with the gut wrenching news that this very young 27 year old Supai man had died . A week ago yesterday he was sitting next to me in a group of guys sharing stories of family, children, art, work and real struggles. I had the honor of attending his wake as the only white man in the midst over a hundred native men , women, children and close family . I was a part of the ceremonial dance the music the testimonials and asked to share. I’d known him for about nine months. We never would have thought anything like this would have unfolded less than 12 hours from our last time together that Friday morning in group. His 4 little girls and wife danced in a slow sway in front of the casket in the middle of the room until the early morning hours. I was engaged in this event for around six hours as I sat next to another previous group member , now a year into his sobriety , who had his head down in his grief the entire time. I left at 1:30 a.m. to walk to the place where I stayed . It’s amazing at night way down there to still see the walls of the canyon as silhouettes and the stars glowing like they are actually closer. Even tho it was a very short night of rest I managed a little as i would soon be up to meet with my group and everyone again just as last Friday and every Friday . This time tho without this great guy who made an even greater mistake giving into a trigger and being in the wrong place at the wrong time. This is why I am here and do what I do. Even if to just make a small difference and help someone make better choices that breaks the cycle substance abuse has on this culture. Then like every Friday afternoon when I walk through the village I can see the people I have the privilege to work with doing there part in some way and helping this small community and their families........Instead of seeing one that everyone knew and loved in a casket being prepared for service way before his time. #gratefulforknowingyou #RIP


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