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Bye, Grandpa! said the young girl, who was smiling ear to ear. See you next summer! After they left there was silence, I was lonely again. I stood there, deep in thought, thinking as the sun was setting. I know time was running out. I was getting old and weak. I didn’t think I can stay here any longer, I had to pass down the medicine bag. I should start packing. I put everything in my bag, I wore my favorite black suit, and underneath it, I had a bright red satin shirt with a beaded bolo tie. I put on my scuffed old cowboy boots and I took all my money and put them inside the boots they tightened my feet. I grabbed my big black hat; which had a drooping feather in its crown and my cane then headed for the door. looking over my shoulders I looked at my tar-paper shack it was as old as me, I had spent many great years there but here I was about to go on my last journey standing on my generation’s great Rosebud reservation.
I arrived at the bus station, when I entered the bus I was the center of attention, maybe it was because of my hat or maybe because of how frail I looked. After the bus stopped all the other passengers left I stayed. I kept on going on my journey, two and a half days had gone by. I had arrived in the city feeling tired and stiff from sitting for a long time, so I decided to walk there. I saw a building and rested on its steps for a bit. I did not realize that I had blacked out. A kind officer found me on the steps and offered to take me to the city bus stop where he had told the bus driver to take me to Bell View Drive. I thanked the kind officer and started to walk again. When I saw groups of houses I knew I arrived. I walked in the middle of the street hoping to see the house number better. Suddenly I heard noises behind me then I saw a group of little kids and dogs a couple of blocks from me. The dogs ran fast I could bearly run they had gotten so close to me. I wearily poked them away but I know it wouldn’t do any good. A boy runs to rescue me I seemed to recognize him, is that my grandchild? Martin? It has been so long I thought while he shooed the animals away. The dogs and the kids ran. I took a look at my grandchild then I formally greeted him, Hau, Takoza I said. We shook hands. He grabbed my suitcase and took my arm to guide me to their house. My granddaughter runs to us and then embraces me. Hau, Marie, I said then shook her arm. They supported me up to their house stairs then the door opened. It was Cheryl still little as she was the last time I saw her. Grandpa! she yelled happily. You came to see us! I couldnt help but smile I stretched my hand to hug the young girl. Wicincila, little girl. , everything started to fade.
I woke up in a small room where I saw familiar faces. My granddaughter Marie tried to feed me but I was angry, she shouldn’t have to take care of me I thought to myself. I know I should eat it. I siped the soup and in between every sip, I told them of my great journey. Did you find the money in my boots? I asked Marie. She shook her head, No martin found it. Then she starts to scold me, how can you keep so much money in there, what if someone stole it! I laughed, how can someone try to steal it, I would have felt it if someone was trying to take off my boots. The money was for my funeral but now you take it to buy groceries so that I won’t be a burden to you while being here. My granddaughters’ husband told me I would never be a burden and his sorry that they never thought of bringing me home with them after their yearly visits and spear me of the long discomfort of a long bus trip. I smiled, Thank you. But dont feel bad that you didn’t bring me with you, for I would not have come then. It was not time. The room was silent for a moment I could tell that they were deep in thought. I looked at Martin, Also, I have come because it is soon time for Martin to have the medicine bag. Martin came close to the bed. Not now, Martin. It is not time. Now I will sleep. I closed my eyes, two mouths had passed now Cheryl would bring her friends, every day after school when they visited me on the porch. It had become my habit to set there every afternoon. I would tell them stories every day they came. I knew Martin was embarrassed to bring his friends over but I understand he had his own reasons.
One sunny morning I had a feeling to dress up; be fancy, so I wore my red satin shirt with a fringed leather vest trimmed with beads. I put on my special solid beaded moccasins and my big black hat. In the afternoon I was sitting on the porch when I saw Martin with his friends. I looked at Martin who seemed to be embarrassed then I nodded to him. Hau, hoksila, boys. Martin’s friends all came to shake my hand. They all greeted me. You look fine, Grandpa, Martin said. Hanh, yes, when I woke up this morning it seemed the right time to dress in good clothes. I knew that my grandson would be to bring his friends. I replied. Then I told his friends stories, and they were all amazed like Cheryls friends. I felt glad that Martin had finally brought his friends today. They shook my hand again, Can we come back? they asked. In the evening I called Martin to my room. Tomorrow, when you come home, it will be time to give you the medicine bag. I said. I could tell he was scared and not ready to take it yet, I hope he would be tomorrow. In the evening I lay on my bed with the shades down in my room. When Martin came back from school, he entered my room and there was silence. I was deep in thought about what to say. I sent your mother and sister away. What you will hear today is only for your ears. What you will receive is only for your hands. I said. I told him the story of my father, my child who died in a war, and about the medicine bag. my son, had no sons, only one daughter, your mother. So the medicine bag must be passed down to you. I continue. I unbuttoned my shirt and pulled out the leather pouch. I looked at it and remembered all those times it protected me, when my father had given me the medicine bag and when I was in my youth. In the bag, I said, I opened the bag and removed two objects. My fathers broken shell of the iron kettle and a piece of sacred sage. I held the pouch upside down and found dust drifted out. After the bag is yours you must put a piece of prairie sage within and never open it again until you pass it on to your son, I said as I tied the bag. I slowly rose and walked to Martin, he closed his eye. No, you need not wear it, I said and I placed the bag in his right hand and then closed it with his other. It would not be right to wear it in this time and place where no one will understand. Put it safely away until you are again on the reservation. Wear it then, where you replace the sacred sage. I went back to my bed and sat. I put my head against my pillow. Go, I will sleep now, I said. Thank you, Grandpa, He said softly and left the room. I know today will be my last day, I closed my eyes hoping my family will live a long and happy life as I did.
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