My Heritage is Grandfather

Richard Butler stands at the center of wedding party

Today's installment of National Native American Heritage Month focuses on heritage, family heritage.  The Free Dictionary online dictionary defines heritage as, "Something that is passed down from preceding generations; a tradition."

A tradition I inherited from my ancestors begins with my grandfather, Richard Butler.  In my recollections from childhood, I see his silhouette casting a long shadow into my life. As I recount my heritage, I have inherited many characteristics. I wear my Navajo bun proudly in his honor. The hairstyle symbolizes symmetry, harmony in the figure-eight pattern. I see it as the harmony of the Creator God with His created human beings. Everyday I tie it up. I rehearse the harmony of God intent--to live with and to enjoy being with people of the earth.

If I were to recall one characteristic that has emerged in my life, I would suggest that it is his love for family. He may not have been the best example always. But he reviewed how much he cared for us. He may not have expressed love in the best tones. But he unabashedly loved from the heart. Whether harsh words or teasing, he spoke from a hear to love. I do miss him. In his honor, I share a few lines of poetry about grandpa from my own limited perspective. 

My Heritage is Grandfather

I've heard the stories.
I rehearse them in my mind.
I long to hear your distinctive chuckle. Restored to the memories of my mind.

You walked in beauty before I was born,
You walked in new life when you were reborn
You sacrificed to make sure we had what we needed and more,
You learned to sacrifice from Jesus Christ your Lord

I am humbled to trace my lineage to you
I am proud of my strong, wise Dineh man
My grandpa, shi naalii,
You are my heritage. You are my roots.

May I draw from your strengths for today and tomorrow
May I glean from your wisdom so wise
May I strain from the desert, to the high country,
The high calling of communing with the Great Creator, you loved.

Harmony you sought to experience
You lived out harmony with the Infinite Maker of all things
Tho' trying but failing many a time
You wanted harmony for everyone in the family, you loved

You walked in beauty before I was born,
You walked in new life when you were reborn
You sacrificed to make sure we had what we needed and more,
You learned to sacrifice from Jesus Christ your Lord

I've heard the stories.
I rehearse them in my mind.
I long to hear your distinctive chuckle. Restored to the memories of my mind.