by Sioux Dallas
“Thanks, Mom. You’re the greatest.” Anna walked to her room ignoring her brothers. Tim was standing in the doorway and Tom was in the hall leaning against the wall. As Anna passed Tom grabbed his chest and sighed, “Oh, Daniel.” He laughed foolishly as she slammed the door to her room.
Chapter Eighteen
Irene told Herb about Daniel and of the twins giving Anna a hard time. He chuckled. “Our little girl is old enough to date. We’ve taught our children how to be a lady and gentlemen. We can’t be with them every minute of their lives. We’ll have to trust them to do what is right.” he pulled Irene’s head on his shoulder and hugged her.
“Herb, it makes me kind of sad. Our little ones are almost adult. It just seems like last week I was rocking them to sleep and telling stories every night. Hearing their prayers was such a sweet moment. Now they hardly need me.”
“My love,” he chuckled, “just like all mothers, you’re starting early to sing the empty nest blues. Anna is almost seventeen and the boys are almost fifteen. Don’t you think you’re worrying much too early. All three of them still have college.”
“Time passes so fast though,” she sighed.
You’re the one that said no matter how much they grow or how far away from home they go, they’ll always be our dearly loved little ones.” Herb smiled. “It’s okay. I feel as you do. The boys are almost as tall as I am.”
Irene was in ecstasy planning a school opening party in the Community Center. All the families, who worked with Herb, had become as close as a family. She and some of the women agreed on the type of party they would plan and a dance that would include the entire community.
The Community Center was decorated by some of the older girls. Mothers made special goodies and planned a simple menu. Several of the people, who played musical instruments, volunteered to provide music.
The young people enjoyed the modern dances while their parents enjoyed boogie and slow, romantic music. Irene and Herb taught the Virginia Reel and other square dances. A few people demonstrated clogging. A few Eskimos demonstrated native dances.
“Ho, boy,” groaned Chief Houmay. “I’m going to have to learn to dance so that I can work off this load of fat,” he said patting his stomach. “Why did you ladies have to cook so good and bring so much food?” Everyone laughed with him. Most were surprised because, as a rule, he didn’t participate. He not only enjoyed the evening, but had made it more enjoyable for the crowd because he was so nice.
“Whoa, Chief,” Manuel Barvere said.
“Hold on, Causuc,” Landon Heim said at the same time.
“You’re way off base, man,” Tom Lucreke laughed.
“What d’ya mean, the ladies cooked such good food? Some of us men did a darn good job,” Ben Gregory blurted.
Causuc’s eyes grew wide. “You? You men cooked?”
“Sure, what’s wrong with that? Are you saying real men don’t cook?” Herb teased him.
“No,” he answered quickly, backing away a little. “I was just surprised.”
Jack Jordon walked quickly to the front and took the microphone. “I have an idea. Folks, how do you feel about a cook-off among the men?”
“What do you mean by a cook-off?” the Chief asked.
“The next party we have, the men will do all the cooking -- that includes you, too, Causuc. And I don’t see why the people can’t vote for the best foods. That doesn’t mean that any of the food will be bad, but some will be good enough to be remembered and talked about.”
The crowd thought it was a great idea and they agreed on a Halloween party. Everyone cheered and quickly bundled up to go home.
“I used to watch at the window and pray for snow,” Anna sighed. “Now I would give anything to be able to wear shorts and walk in the sun.”
“Anna, are you sorry you came here?” Daniel asked anxiously. “I was born and raised here so it doesn’t seem bad to me. In fact, I love it.”
Anna placed a hand on his arm. “I honestly love it and would not change this experience for anything. You can’t blame me though. My friends in Virginia are hiking in the woods, listening to the birds, watching animals teaching their little ones to live safely and going on picnics. Some of my friends will be skating and enjoying sports and school functions. Of course I miss them, but I do love it here and have made some good friends which I consider a blessing.” Anna twirled in happiness.
“Do you count me as one of your friends?” Daniel asked shyly.
“Of course you are.”
“May I walk home with you?”
“Sure. I would like to ask you in for hot chocolate, but it is getting late. Why don’t you plan on coming over tomorrow?” Anna smiled at him.
Herb hugged Anna as she started to go to her room to prepare for bed. “Honey, I like Daniel. His father is the doctor in the clinic that treats my crew. They’re really nice people.”
Irene and Herb went to their room. Irene turned for him to take her necklace off. “I’m ashamed to say that I was a little uncomfortable when Chief Houmay walked in. He wandered around with his arms crossed over his chest and seemed to be glaring. But when he relaxed and being to laugh and enjoy himself, I saw him in a different light.”
“I know what you mean, but he turned out to be a lot of fun.” Herb jerked around when Tom opened the door and barged in.
“Dad, what are you going to make for the men’s cook-off?”
“I haven’t decided yet. Maybe it’ll be a surprise. Goodnight now. I’m coming in to kiss you kids goodnight.”
“Oh, yuck,” Tom spoke without thinking. He covered his mouth with his hand and ran to his room.
“You can tuck me in, Dad, but I don’t need kissing,” he yelled back.
Herb ran into the twins’ room, picked Tom up, turned him upside down and dropped him on his bed. He blew a smacker on Tom’s neck and then kissed his cheek. Tucking both boys in, he kissed Tim’s cheek.
“Dad! Don’t you know we’re too big for that,” Tim yelped.
“My darling sons, you’ll always be mine and when you’re grown, with children of your own, or even grandchildren, I shall love you, hug you and kiss you. I’m very proud that you’re my sons.”
Irene followed him in to kiss the twins. “You never get too big for us to love you and kiss you,” she smiled.
“No one ever got too big for that,” Herb laughed as he picked Irene up and kissed her. “Goodnight, boys,” he called carrying Irene to their room.
“Oh, gush. Yuck. Blah,” Tom said disgustedly.
“Don’t knock it,” Tim advised. “At least we have parents who love and respect us, and each other, and care what happens to us. We’re lucky. There are too many kids who are abused, abandoned, neglected or have one parent who must work too hard to make ends meet and don’t have time for them.”
“I know we should be thankful; and I am.” The boys silently said their prayers and settled down to go to sleep.
Herb and Irene knocked on Anna’s door and entered when she responded. They gave her a goodnight hug and a kiss on her cheeks. Then they went thankfully to their own room for a much needed rest.
October 31st, Halloween, fell on a Sunday, so the men’s cook-off was held on Saturday night. A lot of the men, who had cooked, brought their food to the Center to prepare it or to finish. The women, and a lot of men who had not cooked, set up tables and placed white paper coverings on them. A few of the women had prepared an item for food in the event that there wasn’t enough. Causuc came in carrying a casserole of buttered candid yams with black walnuts in them and marshmallows covering the top. He would place this in the oven later to brown the marshmallows. There was a lot of laughter and good-natured insults.
After the delicious dinner, everyone was pleased and complimentary of all the food.
“Oh, I’m sinfully stuffed,” Tom moaned and then stood. “I sure am glad I’m not a judge. It would be too difficult to select one over another,” he said loudly. “Thank you men. You’ve done us males p
roud.” He sat down among clapping, cheering and more friendly insults.
Irene was busy taking notes for her book. She had so many great ideas. It would just be a matter of time to sit down and type them into a manuscript.
Jack Jordon walked to the front to the microphone and called attention.
“Okay, folks. It’s time for the presentations. You’ve all had a chance to sample everything and cast your votes for each category. Four of our teens have been counting ballots and have made the tallies. Here are the results.”
He grinned waving the papers over his head.
“Get on with it,” someone yelled good-naturedly.
“Be quiet and let him speak,” a woman scolded.
He cleared his throat and started. “For the best stew, venison at that, the blue ribbon goes to ----Yehat Eskise. Come get your ribbon, man. Congratulations.” There was a lot of cheering for the popular Yehat.
Runner-up in the main course for his elk burgers is Morgan Wise Owl Osage.” Again a lot of cheer as he collected his red ribbon.
“For the best bread, sourdough at that, the blue ribbon goes to Ben Gregory.” A lot of cheer and whistles followed. Runner-up with his double yeast loaf goes to Gerald Buckley. He was a newcomer but the crowd cheered just as loud.
“For the best cake, Velvet Maple, the blue ribbon goes to Herb Jackson.” The crowd went wild for their popular boss. “Runner-up with his Ginger Coconut Cake is Robert Tormas.” More cheering and friendly insults
“Now for a big surprise. Of all the vegetable dishes, the one that received almost all the votes, is the one made by --- Chief Causuc Houmay!” There was a gasp and then people stood up to, as Tim said, cause the room to rock. Several jumped up to slap him on the back. For once, Causuc was speechless. He beamed with pride and walked to the front clasping his hands over his head in a victory salute. “This is the first time I’ve cooked anything to share. Thank you all.”
“Okay, now. We’re not through,” Jack tried to get the room quiet. “The runner-up with his Asparagus Delight is Paul Grisby. He, too, received cheers and friendly insults.
Tom leaned over to whisper to Ben Gregory. “Has the Chief ever been married? I’ve never heard anyone mention a wife.”
Ben looked down with a solemn expression and then whispered. “I’m going to tell you about him, but you have to promise you’ll never tell a soul what I’m about to tell you.”
Tom nodded. “I promise, but can’t I tell my family?”
“Of course. Just make sure that no one outside your family talks of this.
The Chief’s feelings would be hurt.” He hesitated and then continued. “About four years ago Causuc was engaged to a young, beautiful, gentle, very talented school teacher. She played the violin and had a lovely singing voice. She and Causuc both sang in the church choir.”
“The Chief sang!”
Ben nodded and said, “One day his fiancée, and some girlfriends, went out in snowmobiles for fun. They were caught in an unexpected snow storm. The others were found in time, but Marissa Hornesby, was not found for two days. The Chief was with the group that found her clothing and some of her bones which was all that was left. There were wolf prints all over the place. That’s why he hates wolves and even wolf dogs. He was in such deep grief that we feared for his mental stability. He has kept pretty much to himself since then.”
Tom was stricken. “I’m glad he won tonight, and I’m so very sorry that I didn’t know about this earlier. I understand him better now and I will be nicer to him.”
Tom told his family at home that night about Causuc’s loss. “I’m so sorry for Causuc, but I’m glad Ben told Tom. He seemed more mature when he told us. It really touched him.” Irene was brushing her teeth while Herb talked. She nodded to show she agreed.
“At least our children have learned that other people have sufferings that we might not know about, and that we shouldn’t judge quickly or harshly.”
The men’s cook-off party had been a rousing success. The group decided to select a committee to plan for a community Thanksgiving dinner. As there were a few families that could not afford to spend money, they were tactfully asked to help set up tables and to decorate. They were also asked to check on the gas supply for the two fireplaces in the Center for the evening. Again some musicians were delighted to provide music.
On Thanksgiving day, all the denominations gathered together for a shared service in the Community Center. The sweet old hymns were enjoyed by everyone. Young children sang songs they had learned in school and a skit was given by some Indian children and others to tell about the first Thanksgiving.
The main dish, for the dinner, was geese stuffed with sage sausage, nuts and herbs. There was also venison roast, biscuits and gravy, several vegetables and desserts galore. Everyone was full and contented. Even though there a few singing loudly off key, they all joined in the familiar holiday songs.
Irene looked around and thought how close everyone had gotten. What a sweet friendship there was in their community. They not only worked together, but depended on each other in time of need. Not one person was made to feel less important than another. After the worship service and dinner, the floor was cleared for the entertainment. Singing groups, dancing and a contest as to who could tell the best joke rounded out the evening.
People were still talking about what great times they’d had when December rolled in. Where had the year gone? The twins insisted on giving Greatheart a first year birthday party. The adults thought it was silly to give a party for a dog.
Postmaster, James Morton, said, “What harm will it do? We are in an area of snow on top of snow, and we’re pretty much stuck this way for months. If the kids want to do something cheerful, then let them.”
Greatheart enjoyed her one year party. Flash bulbs popped, with loud laughter, as she stuck her face in her special cake and came up with a muzzle covered in cream icing. Her happy tail kept smacking people on the legs and finally a dish of nuts flying off a low table.
“That does it,” Irene hid a smile. “Take her home, boys, and make sure she isn’t able to follow you back.”
The twins, and friends, dressed warmly and ran out to harness their dogs to small sled. Greatheart could now pull a sled and a lightweight child. The children set a race course of about two thousand feet with a zigzag and one turn. Tom drove Greatheart. The race was going well until five sleds make the final turn together. Only one dog had racing experience. The other dogs, having fun with their children, got tangled and ended up with overturned sleds and boys rolling in all directions in the snow. The one experienced dog raced to the finish line.
The dogs were carefully inspected for possible injuries as they were unharnessed. The sleds were wiped clean and put away. There was a lot of teasing and wrestling when Tim stated, “I could have done a better job than Tom. In fact, I could have done better than any of you.”
Chapter Nineteen
While the boys were laughing and talking, Tom sneaked away to a shed where construction materials were stored. He was looking for something he might use in a practical joke. Surprisingly the door was unlocked. Becky and Miranda saw Tom sneak away and go into the shed, but said nothing.
The shed was dark, and Tom didn’t know where the battery powered lamps were. He bumped into a barrel in the dark and knocked it over. He lit a match and held it high so he could see the interior of the shed. The flame burned near his fingers, and, without thinking, he shook his hand and dropped the match. Not finding anything he wanted, he reached for the door handle. An ear-splitting blast shot the shed apart. The powder he had knocked over exploded and fames covered the area. The fire spread rapidly.
The force of the blast knocked some of the children down who were standing nearby. The dogs jumped and ran away in fright, except Greatheart who had been thrown off balance. She went scrambling as hard as she could, on her side, toward the flames. Greatheart was the only one who had heard the surprised scream.
Tim staggered up in t
ime to see his precious dog just a few feet from the flames and looking as if she were going to run into them. “Greatheart,” he screamed. “Come, girl. Tom! Tom, where are you?” Tim ran after Greatheart shaking off the boys who were trying to hold him back.
“Tim! Don’t be stupid. You’ll be killed.”
Tim grabbed for Greatheart’s collar while trying to shield his face from the heat. She growled and snapped at him. “Hey, girl. Are you hurt? You wouldn’t be mad at me if you were okay.”
“Tim,” Miranda yelled. “I saw Tom go into the shed before it exploded. I think he’s still in there.”
Parents and neighbors were running, parents frantically calling for their own child. Greatheart’s whimpers turned to howls as her fur began to sizzle. Her feet were on burning boards, but she continued to struggle forward. Herb ran to Tim.
“Dad! I think the blast scrambled her brains.”
Greatheart stuck her nose in a hot spot and grabbed something in her teeth. She braced on her injured feet and pulled as hard as she could. Tim was shocked to see part of a coat sleeve in her mouth with a human hand.
“Tom!” he yelled. “Dad!” It’s Tom.”
The fire was too hot to allow the men to get closer. Too, they didn’t know if more powder would explode. A man ran up with a twenty feet pipe. The man placed the pipe over some barrels and used the pipe as a fulcrum to lift the burning boards. As the boards came up, Greatheart got a firmer hold on what she was pulling. She kept backing and pulling until the top half of Tom was visible. Herb and Causuc ran in and pulled Tom out.
Tom’s hair was singed and his face burned. Most of his clothes had burned and was sticking to his skin. His skin was red and one arm, thigh and side were badly burned. An ambulance came and quickly took the unconscious Tom to the hospital.