The pow wow was fairly small, but the energy was enormous, and it was so very positive . . . I met some very wonderful people who restored my faith in others . . . something that had been wavering recently, a direct result from handling some very difficult situations and personalities.

I went to put things in the Circle, and to come to terms with certain aspects which have been exceptionally troubling. I didn’t dance nearly as much as I had planned . . . as it turned out, I didn’t need to.
I watched as a young girl practiced dancing. She wore no regalia, her hair was cut in a “bowl” type manner, and she appeared to have developmental delays of some sort. Dressed simply, she might have been somewhere in the age between 12 and 15.

As I watched her, she was entirely focused on the beat, and attempting to step precisely correct. She struggled, and yet continued, alone, watching and trying, watching and trying, song after song. I could see her sigh and her heart would sink, and then she would continue . . . I couldn’t see who she was with, if she had family, or if she was alone . . .

She continued dancing until Grand Entry, and then entered the Circle again immediately afterward . . . after a few songs, the head dancer danced up next to her, and took her hand, had her feel the beats, moving his hand with hers, simultaneously showing her steps with his feet. He continued to hold her hand as they danced, and he taught her. . . the lines were crossed, the barriers broken, and pureness of soul was all there was.

It did not matter that she wore no regalia, it did not matter that she was a girl, and he, a man in Traditional regalia. She smiled shyly, and focused, and danced. I thanked God for sending me the gift to dance for others, and the ability to understand such situations.
And I thanked Him for her.

I thought about all those kind souls who help us along the way of our walks – are we not all developmentally delayed in *some* aspect of our lives? Some more visible than others . . .  don't each of us need someone at various points of our walks to hold our hands and touch our souls .  .  . someone who is willing to walk beside and show us the steps, assisting us so our heartbeats are strong once more . . . ?

There was a woman who spoke with me for well over an hour. She and I talked as if we were old friends, discussing life and all its wonders. I reveled in the conversation, it filled my soul in places that have been depleted recently.
 
She offered words of wisdom; she told me about how she believes God sends messengers to deliver messages he knows we need, and how these people show up at the most unexpected times. Sometimes in the line at the grocery store, sometimes in an office, sometimes the mail man . .  . that we never know, and oftentimes they themseleves are unaware of being a catalyst for such wisdom and grace.  

And I listened. I’m sure she was unaware she was a messenger . . . as well as the girl who danced with all her heart. That girl danced more beautifully than anyone I have ever seen . . .