"Ituha" ... in the hearts of many

This morning, with the bitter cold, I can't help but think of Ituha (means 'strong and sturdy oak'). Her spirit shines on. The roots of her tree are reaching further into the earth, the soil and the hearts of so many; the branches of her tree are stretching outward, in all directions, to unite a community to launch the Ituha Animal Care Project. The Leech Lake Legacy board and leadership team are working hard to put together a plan and to gather supplies needed for Ituha Animal Caregivers.

So this morning .... I ask you to hold in your hearts the many other Ituhas who are out roaming reservations in the United States and First Nations of Canada, and let them know that they are not alone .. that we are working as hard as we can to get the Ituha Animal Care Project launched and to hold on .. that an entire community holds a blanket of warmth and love and hope around them. 

Any many thanks to all who have donated towards the Ituha Animal Care Project. We have begun purchasing the needed medical supplies for the Ituha Animal Caregiver totes, and will be reaching out shortly to see if you may be able to help us by donating some of the supplies for the totes.

Dear sweet Ituha, you will forever be in our hearts - your spirit will forever shine brightly. And in every tree, we will know, you are with us ... guiding us, inspiring us, and giving us hope.

When I am Among the Trees

By Mary Oliver

When I am among the trees,

especially the willows and the honey locust,

equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,

they give off such hints of gladness.

I would almost say that they save me, and daily.

I am so distant from the hope of myself,

in which I have goodness, and discernment,

and never hurry through the world

     but walk slowly, and bow often.

Around me the trees stir in their leaves

and call out, "Stay awhile."

The light flows from their branches.

And they call again, "It's simple," they say,

"and you too have come

into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled

with light, and to shine."

To read more about Ituha's story [please note: photo of Ituha may be hard to see]

Blog post on Dec. 11, 2013 after she was picked up by Rory, Leech Lake CSO:

http://leechlakelegacy.blogspot.com/2013/12/ituha-strong-and-sturdy-oak-safe.html

Blog post on Dec. 12, 2013 after Ituha crossed over to the spirit world:

http://leechlakelegacy.blogspot.com/2013/12/ituha-your-spirit-shines-on.html