Dog Community

Join Me in Honoring...

Posted : 5/7/2008 6:55:03 AM

This week, a respected Mi'kmaq elder in our native cultural group decided that my boyfriend should have a native name, and will be performing a naming ceremony on Thursday evening when our group meets. In this culture, you do not just get a name, you earn it, and the elder who names you decides on the name. So, I don't know what it will be, or why he is choosing that particular name, but I wanted to share this with you, since it means a lot to my BF who has so little to be cheerful about these days due to his failing health. I would love it if all my friends here would join us for a brief moment on Thursday night & send good vibes his way for a meaningful ceremony that will honor him and his respect for the culture, as well as sending our thanks to the Creator for the fact that this elder was able to see the depth of feeling and commitment to his way of life that my BF has exhibited despite his disability.

glenmar

Posted : 5/7/2008 7:56:36 AM

How awesome, Anne.

Normally I'd light a candle, but perhaps I'll pull out the white sage and light that instead? When shall we send those vibes?

tashakota

Posted : 5/7/2008 8:04:41 AM

I will certainly do so. What a great honor for him.

pofi_pasquale

Posted : 5/7/2008 9:44:27 AM

I will certainly join you in spirit and contemplation on this very special occasion for the both of you.

bragg1120

Posted : 5/7/2008 12:43:21 PM

joining you in celebrating this high honor for your BF... :) love to hear good news... seems there's so little of it these days.

jessies_mom

Posted : 5/7/2008 1:23:56 PM

I'll be happy to join you in spirit on Thursday; congrats to your boyfriend.

VanMorrison

Posted : 5/7/2008 2:17:01 PM

My thoughts will be with you on Thursday evening. I'm glad that your BF is being honored this way since it is so meaningful.

tacran

Posted : 5/7/2008 2:30:54 PM

What a wonderful honor! May the earning of his new name bring him tremendous pride and joy. I'll be thinking of both of you and look forward to hearing an update after the naming ceremony.

marty_ga

Posted : 5/7/2008 2:41:43 PM

How wonderful that is for him! I will join you in honoring his naming and commitment to a way of life with so much meaning for him. Please give him my congratulations!

cakana

Posted : 5/8/2008 11:25:51 AM

I will be thinking of you and your BF tonight and can't imagine a more moving ceremony than this. I'll be anxious to hear what name they chose for him.

Truley

Posted : 5/8/2008 11:43:21 AM

Do you have a time Anne? I would love to join in the Honoring. Please give him my congratulations.

spiritdogs

Posted : 5/10/2008 6:54:23 PM

Thanks, everyone. Sorry I didn't get back here to give you the time. Anyway, his new name is Michael Happy Medicine Bear. The elder spoke about my BF's willingness to spread "happy medicine" and not complain, despite his troubles. Also, he compared him to many of the positive attributes of the bear, and spoke about his commitment to the culture. His remarks were very moving, and it was clear that he had given the name a lot of thought. At the end, he gave Mike a bear claw necklace that he had made for him himself.

cakana

Posted : 5/10/2008 7:21:19 PM

spiritdogs
his new name is Michael Happy Medicine Bear

I love that name and the ceremony sounds very memorable. I'm always amazed by some people's ability to smile and not complain even when dealing with great pain and suffering. I hope I'd have the same strength, but I'm not so sure. Congrats to both of you.

jessies_mom

Posted : 5/10/2008 9:07:04 PM

I love the name too; how wonderful for your boyfriend.

tacran

Posted : 5/10/2008 9:40:52 PM

What a great name -- and the background you described regarding why it was chosen is wonderful. I think it's really neat that your boyfriend has such a unique name with such a special meaning. It must've been an incredibly moving ceremony, and the bear claw necklace will surely be one of your boyfriend's most treasured possessions. What a memorable evening for both of you!