Kite Tale

When David and his grandfather pulled up to Mary’s, they found her sitting on her porch with a silky kitten on her lap. She sat still with her hands gently cupped over its head. As David and grandpa approached Mary, her sparkling eyes, and warm smile, let them know they were welcome. In a whisper Mary greeted her visitors. “Welcome Silver Streak, I see you brought your grandson. Please, show him around; I’ll be with you shortly.” Grandpa had a strip of silver gray hair, so Mary had given him his Indian name, Silver Streak. The name held a special place in grandpa’s heart, and the smile on his face showed it. Moments later, Mary found her friends in her backyard admiring her carvings. Mary explained to David, that the animal carvings were called totems. In her culture they respected and were inspired by the animal’s simple existence. By focusing on the traits of their totem, they aspired to live in harmony with all of creation. Mary noticed some cat hairs on her skirt. While brushing them off, she told her visitors that her kitten had an unpleasant encounter with her dog, and she laid her hands on the kitten to calm him. David understood how that could help, because he felt very peaceful standing next to Mary. Putting her hand on David’s shoulder, she asked. “How can I help you my friends?” David started explaining about the contest, but before he could finish, Mary led them to her workshop. As she gazed around the room she said. “I think I know exactly what you need.” She pulled down from one of her shelves a long strip of wood, and handed it to grandpa. He bent it back and forth, and passed it to David saying. “Check this piece; see how flexible and strong too.” David nodded as he bent it back and forth. Mary asked for the measurements and began cutting the pieces. David and grandpa thanked her for the wood, and she wished them well. As they began to walk away she slipped David a turtle carving. She whispered. “Live with patience and go within yourself, when necessary, like the turtle.” Mary winked at grandpa and said, “See you at the contest, good luck!”