Wabun'inini

Monday night at the wake for this great leader it was so crowded that we could only stand out in the hall and listen through the open doors. It was nice to see Bear Cronick and get a hug from this unassuming soul who can be depended to help wherever he is needed. Talked with Dick Bancroft and enjoyed seeing the warmth of the everyone's response to the film of Vernon and Dick discussing his photographic chronology of AIM history. Caught glimpses of many others before we made our way out to the sacred fire where we offered asemaa and had a deep conversation about adoption with ishkode'inini Jason Spears. Later we saw Faye and Sasha Brown and heard about Sasha's studies at Carlton.

The Mide women had been working since Saturday. Yesterday morning, Charlene Day told Jose and me a funny story of trying to get to the bathroom Monday night when the Mide people had a short time for a break. Janet Stately was proficient as always in making certain everything went perfectly preparing for Vernon's journey to White Earth. Becky Stately told me it felt good to sing the AIM song, and she was absolutely right. Annette Whitener, who had been up all night, sent food with me as I left for work. Today Vernon will be buried on what would have been his 76th birthday.