It's interesting how death sends a message of reality to me. A friend of mine died today. He was a genuine person that looked for the good in people. In October I sent him off of the slope in a medivac for treatment at the Anchorage Native Hospital. Prior to that I had a dream of him and a Large Owl in a storm on the slope. I explained to him that I had this dream and he frankly said you have sent me a death sentence. He said in his village (Ruby) if anyone in the village saw an owl they would shoot it in fear of death...as they believed that the owl was the messenger of death. I too agree that the owl is a messenger of death. My wife made it clear to me that that death may not just be that of life but to a behavior or pattern. That resinated with me. I explained that to Walt and he said that is not how it works. Further he said in his village if the the owl were to land on the property the property owner would be dead with in 3 months. He not only believed this but had seen it throughout his life. After this conversation he went out on his regular patrol on the slope and saw 2 owls. I didn't believe him at first then he showed me the pictures. The 2 snowy owls standing on the edge of the road. Then he looked at me sort of jokingly and said I'm gonna die...soon.
Now the crazy thoughts that come to me are if he were still in the village with his health circumstances he would have died within 3 months. With the "help" of modern medicine he was in extreme pain maxed out on morphine prolonging what spirit would say was inevitable. He was just about to be sent to the MAYO clinic in Seattle when they told his family that he was too weak to make the flight. They waited just a bit too long. He died 4 days later.
Now for me this is the second funeral I've been to in recent years. Both have made me realize how fragile life is. Not to mention that if I'm not doing what I really want to do and what really makes me happy why am I doing it? It's not ironic that we are in the West. There are no coincidences. I am on the slope right now in the dark of night, in 40mph winds, with leterally no one around in my building. I've stepped directly into the West with the catalyst of death to help me look at life. That I can be grateful for...sadly.
This also brings up a huge point that I need to make concerning myself. Usually, as I've said in the past, I tell stories. This after looking at the stories I tell would be one of those in hopes of getting some "oh, I'm sorry this happend..." blah blah blah responses. I need to make it clear that I have acknowledged that even in circumstances such as this my addict doesn't care where the attention comes from. Negative or positive it is a cunning bastard. So in light of this realization I have to thank Walter for this lesson so bluntly in my face. Also I would like to add that if you feel inclined to say something to me I would ask you not to and instead send your prayers to Walt for him to pass to the stars with ease. It is not me that needs your attention.
Thank you for your prayers and these lessons.
Aho
Eagle Eye
