wilbe95

What a weekend! Friday we spent the afternoon in Sioux Falls at Falls Park enjoying the water falls and exploring an old mill. Only a few spots with some ice still on the falls. They were running full force. With the winter we have had and now the warm up all of the rivers are at their peaks. At the falls there are some rails at overlook points but for the most part there is nothing keeping you from walking out into the Big Sioux River and the falls. Pictures do not capture the whole of the falls nor video. Sort of like trying to describe Niagra Falls to someone who has never seen or heard of them.

Aaron is an Eagle Scout and has just recently found out that he has some Native American blood, about 1/16 from his biological fathers side. He has always had a strong interest in Native American culture discovering this has increased his interest. Sorry but no place better to learn more about that than South Dakota. For five years in scouts he has gone to a special camp that he has had to learn and understand Pipestone. For those who are not aware of what Pipestone is: it is a vein of pure red stone that for thousands of years Native Americans have quarried to use in the making of Peace Pipes. A place for all tribes to come together in peace for vision quests and to make their pipes for peace among their people and all people. This vein is a part of their flesh and the quarry is one of the most sacred places to see. Over five years at his scout camp he has gone through several different ceremonies reenacting different tales about Pipestone.

Yesterday, with perfect sunshine and 65 temperatures, we drove to Pipestone MN, about a twenty minute drive. We explained to the Park Ranger that he was an Eagle Scout and that he had earned his Pipestone over a five year period. The Ranger let us know that a gentleman who has been the main person quarrying for several years was there and would we like to visit with him so he would know how his pipestone was being used. We were several feet from the area and sent the boy to visit. After about ten minutes the rest of us where invited over to meet the man. The man told us that he was honored to have met Aaron that they have spoken and made peace, that Aaron's pipestone will hold more for him now than it ever did before. Turns out the man has been in the quarry for over 43 years and that he is the one who selects the Pipestone that goes to the Boy Scout Camp in Ohio. Special ceremonies are performed as they are quarrying. After telling us that he and Aaron are of kindred spirit he picked up pieces of the pipestone and handed each one of us a piece about the size of the palm of his hand, handed it to each one of us and said to remember to keep it sacred and display it proudly. We were speechless. You are not permitted to leave with the rock unless it is from the gift shop area. We went directly to the car and secured the stones. The Park Ranger told as that this was the first time he has seen the man hand the stone personally to anyone.

We then proceeded to the trail that tells the story of the discovery of the Pipestone Quarry by the Natives and the white man. As I have said before, Aaron had been going through a rough patch in his life and has been on a journey this year to "find himself" and turn his life around. I sent him on path and we waited about ten minutes before we began the trek as well. Some things you must do completely on your own. After we finished the walk his eyes very red and almost a humble look on his face and we headed home. On the way home he sent me a text message (yes we were in the same vehicle) he told me he really needed that experience and that he finally found what he has been searching for. When he returns to Ohio next week he will be signing papers to join the army and is ready to let his past go and move towards the future.