Red Honey Magazine 2013 Archive Edition | Page 60

Beautifully Native Stepping outside yourself every moment to protect the Life you brought here. Being able to provide in every way you can for the best interest of your child. Learning something new every day but also growing in mind, body, and soul with your best friend . . . your child. - - Tyrae Williams (22), Lac Du Flambeau, WI F or a 2006 special on honoring Native Moms everywhere, we asked our readers to share with us what they felt is the true meaning of “Mom”. Mother means to me the careprovider for all my needs in everyday life until I am an adult. As an adult, she still provides necessary wisdom about being a mother. As for me being a mother, I see it as a gift given by the creator. A gift not to take so lightly, for the children I have now are also given to me as a gift. A gift is cherished for all the days I am here at this temporary home. - Phoebe Suppah-Joe (32), Nampa, ID A warm embrace of kindness, caring, teaching spirt. - - Feather Astor (29), Albuquerque, NM Comfort, Security, Love, Humor, and most of all Beauty, inside and out. - - Angela EchoHawk (41), Pawnee, OK 60 Mother means everything, love unconditionally, what holds my family together. - - Shaunna Atkinson (23), Seattle, WA My role model for my children and myself, my life guider, and best of all my most precious friend. - Luci Johnson (29), Burnaby, BC What’s your favorite part of motherhood? “I thought about the answer to this question over and over in my head. I think the best part of mother hood is my son. I didn’t know I was going to feel like this when he was in utero. I felt fear, anxiety, pain (haha) and so many other insecurities. Then he was born and I got to hold him that first day. Seeing his little face and arms and hands was the most fortunate I have ever felt. Now I get to see him grow up. He’s had hair, then lost it, then we shaved it and now its growing still. I seen his lil’ gummy pseudo-smiles when he was only a couple days old and now I’m seeing a big 7 tooth grin. I like to take him with me every place that I can. I get to witness the first time he sees things and relive the wonders again. He waves now and says “Mama” and “Dad”. He smiles with intent and his little eyes glow when he sees me. Thats the best part of motherhood.” - - Tara Deer (Kickapoo/ Otoe-Missouria)pictured below with son, Chi-Kwa-Ka Gover (Choctaw/Pawnee, Kickapoo/ Otoe-Missouria) during a hike up Hayden Butte at ASU Being a mom means doing anything (and I do mean anything) and everything for the best inter- The Meaning www.redhoneymag.net Archive Edition 2013