When I do a Google search for images of the late, great writer Richard Wagamese, I can’t help but wish he was someone I had met while he was still with us. I am drawn to his smile and his general coolness. I know that the smile that lights up his face covers up a long history of pain, but I am convinced he found lots of joy in his life as well. He would be on my list of famous people I would choose to have lunch with. It would have to be a long, drawn out lunch because I know he’s full of stories and insights. I know this because he shared them with us in his books.
I have a stack of books beside my bed. Some are waiting to be read. Some I’m in the midst of reading. And Richard Wagamese’s Embers is always there. The subititle is One Ojibway’s Meditations: it’s full of little snippets of wisdom and truth. If I’m dwelling on negative thoughts, I pick up this little book and open it to any random page and just read to bring myself back to the positive. It’s never far from my reach for a good reason. It speaks to my soul.
In the spirit of celebrating the Summer Solstice and National Indigenous Peoples Day, I give you this little piece of joy and peace. My constant companion. I hope you love it as much as I do.