Our little Inuk friend, Aama Qu'urialuq, writes in her journal. She has some sad news.
January 10, 2008~
Dear Book-Of-Words:
This is Aama. Aama Minik Qu'urialuq.
I am afraid I am not doing very well these days. Grandfather Elk has passed away; he is now in the spirit world; he now plays among aqsimirq--the northern lights. I am never to see him alive again, and it upsets me.
Grandfather Elk died just before Christmas. Ever since it seems I never run out of tears; seems that any little thing--a look from Mother or Father when I do wrong, my little brothers or sisters quarreling, my big brothers Sorquq and Qisuk calling me a litlte pesty child, the Dog Children kids still teasing me about my Inuit ways--sets me into a fresh torrent of tears.
I miss Grandfather Elk so much. He taught me so much, taught me how to stand on my own two feet, taught me the ways of Our People, taught me to be proud of my Inuk heritage. He got sick with the white man's sickness; consumption, I think that's the name of it. Anyway, his lungs got weak, and he died.
Bird Woman (his wife, my grandmamma) won't eat; she only sits by where he used to sleep; all she does is cry, rock back and forth. I am most worried for her; she is getting skinny, she doesn't look well. If she doesn't eat soon, we may have to send for the shaman---
The little kids ask questions, ask why Grandfather Elk is not here; I can't tell them because I am too broken up. They don't understand about death, what it means, why it make people so sad. I will have to leave the telling-of-the-bad-news to Mother or Father; they're better equipped to do this kind of thing; I am too young for such responsibility.
I wish I could stay home from school; ever since I go to Dog Children school, I am made fun of, made to feel bad about myself, my Inuit heritage. I don't know why they make fun of me; it's who I am, it's what I am, and I can't do anything to change it. Sometimes I wish I never hear of Dog Children; all they do is upset us, change our way of life, try to take over our land. I don't like it one bit!!
We were here first, my ancestors; why do Dog Children insist on changing us?? We aren't savages; we are people too; we have our own way to do things; we don't need anyone telling us how to live our lives! We like our lives just the way it is now!!
Well, I've managed to upset myself again; can't see for all the tears that are blurring my eyes. I will write in here again; I don't know when that will be, but I will write soon.
That is a promise.
~Aama Minik Qu'urialuq, aged thirteen winters.
The picture--that is one of me taken with Grandfather Elk a year ago before he took sick. Father took it with his new camera.
Oh, I loved this Karen...you've penned it well, heartache, honesty, and intriguing. Such a touching write from the heart of a wonderful person...Grandfather Elk reminds me of my papaw, who also taught his grandchildren so much about life, love, God, living, morals, values, appreciation, laughter, friendship, family, and so much more...touched me deeply with this one especially since my thoughts were consumed with memories of my own grandfather today...well done my friend!
Blessings,
Joyce B.
Heartbreaking in every way, Karen, yet so open and honest. Aama's questions need answering with grace, sensitivity and with full honour to faith - both hers and that of those who surround her. She will grow to be a strong woman with much compassion and understanding, able to minister to many. But, in the meantime, she hurts... this hurts... and our eyes are opened afresh to the isolation that alienation, both real and perceived, is destructive to the human heart and soul. May loving arms swaddle, protect and heal her. I'm sure they will. Bless you, Karen. You are amazing at empathetic writes. Love, Kate xx
This is the way I believe to educate the young generation. They know that the milk is made in the factory. The baby, mommy gets from the hospital. Grandpa and grandma went to heaven. They should know the realities around human beings like this lovely girl Aama Minik Qu'urialuq. That is how I grew up. Great write, Emile
Exploring the impact of literary icon Flannery O'Connor's noted legacy on the cultural realities of modern-day America, the world, and a certain author.
Exploring the impact of literary icon Flannery O'Connor's noted legacy on the cultural realities of modern-day America, the world, and a certain author.
