Another Sweet Hello....
I was about 4 years old, I would be running into the Shiprock Trading Post. My great grandmother walking slowly right behind me, trying to say, "slow down you are going to trip." My great grandmother on her way to cash her monthly check. I would get a soda (probably a Shasta or a Big Red) and maybe a piece of candy. But the reason I was with her was to make sure I translated for her. So, I would run back after I got the things I wanted.
I would take her to the back to get her check cashed, pay her bill she accumulated throughout the month and also renew her pawn tickets. I talked to the cashier and would talk for my grandmother and just give message back and fourth. People in the store would be talking about me. I guess it was more surprised a 4-year-old Child speaking in full sentences and fluent and not missing one word. Of course, I did not notice all that. Or people coming up to me and say it was sweet and I am doing a good job. I was very young to even realize what the fuss was all about. Speaking my language (Navajo/Dine' ) was a joy.
Just enjoy being with my great grandmother. She thought it was the greatest that I could speak and that I could understand her. She was up in age and hardly ever talked. But when I was with her she would ask about my school, where I got my clothes or if I have school tomorrow. And me being me, I would talk and talk to her. I never heard a complaint. I just enjoyed talking to her and keeping her entertained. My great grandmother had a great laugh and I loved making her smile. One of my joys.
A lot of my time was spent with my great grandmother. My early morning hours started with pet milk boiling for the little lamb feeding. She would pour into an old coke bottle and put a nipple on it and tell me to feed the little baby goats and baby lambs. I would run to the corral and feed the goats and lambs, I would enjoy watching them so excited because they are hungry. The joy of feeding animals.
After I get off the bus, my great grandmother would tell me to open corral to lead animal to the local creek. After we would sit in the pasture and watch animals graze the fields. We would talk and laugh about our day or she would tell me stories about her childhood. I loved hearing her talk and just listening to her stories. It just seemed like her childhood was tough but she said it was not bad and that she is happy now. Sitting with her on the ground sharing a soda and a bag of chips was the best time.
After we get home, I would just play outside while my great grandmother would start cooking something small. She would make tortillas and open a can of spam. She would slice it up and fry it. The slices would be wrapped with tortillas. Cooking over an open flamed is one of the best cooking experiences that is out of this world. I do miss my great grandmother's cooking. She hardly ever cooked but when she did, I could taste the passion she put into cooking. And I loved every time she made something to eat. Another joy of my life.
Then every evening I would hear a little repetition of low banging. I would hear her talking to me and she would be telling stories while would be weaving a rug. She was a Navajo Rug weaver for years and taught my grandmother how to weave. All the females in my family made a living as entrepreneurs before I knew what that was. They all worked for themselves and made a living weaving and selling Navajo Rugs. I just loved that I was surrounded by independent women and it made me learn. Now I think you need to surround yourself with powerful people so you learn and grow from people you are around. My joy of seeing the women in my life succeeding and doing something for themselves to make life better. That was a joy.
My joys are simple when I was young. And I hope you enjoyed my little story. I have grown to love more from life and all the experiences. Thank you for letting me take some time away from you and thank you for reading my Blog. I appreciate it greatly. I hope you have lots of Love and Blessings..
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