in all my life. I tried my best to deliver this message to her as we were driving away.
“Mom, think about it! What would make a man that had never met me before trust me with something that obviously meant so much to him? In all the years he has lived, he has chosen me!”
It is hard for me even now to describe the feeling of deeply knowing that we were simply brought together by divine intervention. What else could one ever call it?
Mom and I did visit Cape Croker’s camp-grounds that day. I just drove in far enough to say that I had been there, to see if I felt any strange and profound feelings. What I felt was it was familiar! It brought me peace, quiet, and calmness. It was the end to a very special day indeed.
As I was driving away, I told my mother that I would be back to Cape Croker, that I would return for the powwow, that I was intended to have something more unfold for me in this place. I could feel a strong and future connection to Cape Croker. One day, I knew I would find more answers there.
On April 29th, my phone rang at my work. It was the Chief, and he was asking if we had reached White Sparrow. I answered yes, and we spoke of things in confidence.
Advice and wisdom he wanted me to know; that, above all else, to maintain balance! To never walk too far in any one direction, not even in good times! That I should stay focused and let things unfold in life naturally. Not to be so eager to have all my answers so quickly!
I told him, I had connected with him, that I felt closer to him than to my dad, to my grandfather, or to the man who once raised me. When our conversation ended, I told him that I wished that I could give him a hug. He replied in a very matter of fact tone, “Then just say I love you!”
He had read my mind and I answered back, “I love you!”
Then, I set my phone back down and became teary eyed. I just sat there, quietly reliving his voice and calmness of voice and words. I prayed for the strength to not shout that he had just called, because I so wanted to share it with someone in hopes they could mirror back my bliss in complete understanding.
At the time of this writing, the Chief and I are still very much in touch. I still bombard him with questions, and he cheerfully supplies the answers. We share great laughter and friendship together. Of all the things he has taught me, one came totally unexpected. He has healed a wound so deeply carved into my childhood heart. Only the Chief could cover over and successfully heal such a wound! I pray I come remotely close to offering something as good a trade in return! Like — truth, spirit, conversation, and love of friendship!
The Chief’s spirit is always one with my own! He is one of Canada’s natural resources! His work and his carvings are known around the globe! His roads are many! I am ever grateful to be but a pebble on his path!
For the Chief’s birthday in 2004, I wrote a poem called “The Indian Carver.” He has asked my permission to have it published along with his memoirs! How could I say no to such a great, great honour?
There is so much more to write and speak of about my journey with the Chief! But this is not the time. Perhaps, Mr. John Robert Colombo, you will honour — One Lost Sparrow and One Great Canadian Chief on another path, on another page, on another time!
To you, Chief, until you make camp, the other side of the river, know that I am always and forever with you!
To Wilmer Nadjiwon, Chippewa of Nawash Elder (The Indian Carver), from your little bird friend.
With deepest love, Meegwich, (Thank you)
White Sparrow!
May 21st, 2005
From: SparrowSent: Sunday, May 29, 2005 8:27 PM
Subject: Three Documents!
Greetings Mr. Colombo:
Well, sir, after reading more of your compiled stories, I am teeter-tattering between the value of the ones I am about to enclose to you.
When one is experiencing such events, one has the tendency to feel totally isolated and somewhat out of ones mind!
Then, when one begins to read your books on entire dealings of such strange events, I must admit, my own seem to be relatively tame in comparison with many of the others that I have now read!
What does make them unique, though, is that they happened to me! Some of these I have been able to make later sense of; others remain yet a mystery.
I do, however, admire your patience and persistence to sift though all the submissions that you must get flooded with!
Consider the following three submissions, self-serve style! (Meaning: If you like them, then please help yourself!)
This opportunity is not taken for granted!
In appreciation of your time and efforts,
Sparrow
Body in the Bay
It is important for me to begin this story with the greatest respect for the family and loved ones of this missing body that I make reference to here in this story! It is not my intention to bring sensationalism to what must have been a true living family nightmare. I have had my own personal experience with a loved one who went missing. I can promise you, no matter what the surrounding circumstances are, when you are going through it, it truly is — hell on earth!
It was approximately 8:00 a.m. one April morning in 2004. I was headed east, in the direction of the private resort where I work. I was driving across Highway 26 where it crosses with the old Capitol Theatre. When I arrived at this landmark, I felt a band of current or energy rush through my right side and out my left. It was travelling from south to north. At this same time a strong knowing, feeling, sensation, whatever you wish to call it, told me someone was missing!
As usual for me, I only caught fragments of what this encounter actually meant. What I did know was that someone male or female went missing. The questions that followed went something like this. Had someone on that street lost someone? Was it their energy I was feeling? Would someone on that street find someone who was missing? Was it their energy I felt? Had someone just learned of someone missing? Could it be a child that had gone missing? This last question didn’t seem to hold water, so to speak, as it was still April. Generally, children are more apt “in my mind” to go missing in June, after school has let out for the season. For whatever reason, I talked myself back out of this equation. It just didn’t seem to be fitting.
Thoughts overcome me when something like this happens. It consumes my thinking and my emotions. It leaves me feeling helpless and frustrated, as I don’t have all the required pieces. It also makes me feel different and apart from most of the folks who for the most part seem to be so grounded and practical. You know! Those who have never encountered or admitted encountering anything unexplainable! Somehow, these experiences seemed to have been saved for me in my circle of family and friends.
Anyway, when I arrived at the resort that morning, I immediately told my experience to the Assistant Manager. Just her luck — she usually is the one to end up listening to my tales of the unexplainable. During our conversation, I asked her to write down the date and put missing person beside it. She did as I had asked and then proceeded to put the small piece of paper into her
