From the Heart of a Mixed-Blood

I just, without intent, started a misunderstanding between two dear friends.

I suppose in a way, I should not make offensive comments about Christopher Columbus. I am a person who has always been able to understand the two sides to everything:

I am Cherokee/Shawnee/Powhatan. I so get that Christopher Columbus destroyed our land by his sailing into it. Our People were dwindled down, massacred, stripped of everything but their Spirits and forcibly marched off to reservations at the hands of the Europeans. Need I say more? If so, I will be happy to elaborate.

I am also Irish. My Irish Ancestors too suffered at the hands of the Europeans. Some were forced out of their own land and into slavery. Not considered good enough to be at the top of anything. Even in the Titanic, a true story, they were forced to sail in the lower deck, "Steerage" also refers to the lowest decks, and many were locked in to sink with the ship.

One would think I would hate every non-Irish European. However, had this horror not taken place - would I be here? Were all the events of this Earth part of a divine plan?

Being of mixed-blood is not a fun, nor easy road. Walking, or struggling to walk, in a balance of the two is like an emotional handicap. We don't fit-in in either world, nor does either world really want us. Before anyone misunderstands that last sentence, know that - that is exactly how life has been for me. And now - I am dying; it feels like it with this disease running rampid. But then, with each passing day, we are all closer to our demise.

Another two-world handicap - is being partially raised in a church with their teachings, yet having my Heart & Soul teach me that going to a building does not guarantee me a one-way ticket into a better world.  I am not even fully accepted by the very church-going people I was brought up with; to them, I am a backslider. One who disobeys teachings. I don't know about, nor can I speak for anyone other than myself, but I pray daily that there is a better place to walk after this life.

It's no wonder so many people are losing their minds. Remaining sane is an everyday fight.

I guess I'm somewhat like Pocahontas, I see beauty in all things. If, in fact, that is how she really was. Her story is only told, to my knowledge, through the eyes of the Europeans. I'll have to resesarch that.