*** Little Pen stories are something I’ve been sharing with my family for several years. It began with my grandmother’s 80th birthday and was the best way I could find to share my love and wishes to her. ***
Little Pen sat close to the lake’s shore listening. She was listening to the wind through the tall pines. She was hearing the soft waves washing onto the bank in front of her. Most of all, she was waiting for Great Spirit to speak and provide her some guidance.
The entire village knew Little Pen’s challenges these last few moons. None knew the full extent of her internal anguish and heartache. But as we all do, the villagers felt her pain recounting their own heartaches and sent up prayers for Little Pen to smile fully again.
Little Pen had known when the dawn broke at the beginning of this year, that it would be an important one in her growth. She had taken that first day to herself. Arising before the sun and walking to the top of a nearby ridge to be nearest the sky. She gave gifts and had sent up prayers for love, happiness and abundance for herself and all her people. And in the moon of the cherry blossoms, it seemed as if love was finally delivered to her.
For several moons, Killing Elk from a nearby village had wooed her and there was much serious talk between them. The entire village had noticed a new light in Little Pen during those moons. She herself blossomed like the cherry tree, the old women gossiped. Many had been glad as Little Pen was one who walked alone much and was deserving of a strong partner.
But this joy faded when Killing Elk stopped visiting in the moon of thunder. No word was received from him. No smoke signal or messenger. Little Pen did not know if he had chosen another, been wounded in battle or simply did not desire her company anymore. Little Pen sat up many nights trying to hear Great Spirit over her tears but “in time” was all that she was told.
It had been two difficult moons for Little Pen.
And now, today, Little Pen had been asked by the basket women to not return. It was her tribe’s customs that everyone was able to share one special gift of contribution. For many years, Little Pen had been making baskets, learning under different teachers and refining her skills. But of late, Little Pen had been bored and under this new teacher, her efforts were not successful. Little Pen’s way was not her way and the past year had been hard.
Little Pen had been thinking and praying that a new path of contribution might be made open to her. As she walked the forests and rode with the horses these past moons, she tried to remember what other tasks had given her much joy. It was difficult to imagine not making baskets for the village and having them admired and bartered to other tribes. At the same time, something within Little Pen grew excited.
Sitting now by the water, Little Pen closed her eyes and felt the sun’s warmth on her skin. She knew she had to be courageous now. That it was important at times to release something good to receive something great. Had not she seen it many times? This was a time for faith in herself and that her life was meant to provide great things for her people.
Only a few days ago, the elders had spoken to her about the herbs required for healing and teas. Had she seen an elderberry or lemon balm during her walks? Perhaps now, Little Pen who held great respect for custom might become an apprentice to the wise woman that performed the tea ceremonies and healings for the tribe. She imagined this and smiled.
Then, as Little Pen sat there at the shore, she felt something plop in the grass to the right of her. It was a perfect acorn, apparently just dropped from the tree above. Little Pen smiled at this hopeful sign from Great Spirit.
Yes, Little Pen would grow something new. Something that in time could become a gift to her people that was strong like the oak. She put the acorn into her pouch, gave thanks and returned to the village. Little Pen had much hope in her heart and felt herself blossoming once more with belief and love.
