From the distants/distance

 Relatives who have gone on are the distants.   My relations were all distant even when they were alive.  We lived here and they did not. My Anderson Grandmother was more distant than others, we were not allowed there very often. Loss causes distance, my dad left when I was two, up to the Clouds with the Distants.  The distance here/hear was the result.  BUT once in awhile we visited. The abalone shell for smudging sat on the coffee table at her house. I did not understand but I knew it was familiar and soon to be mine. After she passed I took the shell and the old phone.  No one else seemed to care. Funny how we talk to the distants more when they are gone.  I heard her calling. This weekend check in with those who are distant, dead or alive, we are all connected. Independence is celebrated by remembering community and shortening the distance in our lives! Happy Independence Day. Mitakuye Oyasin, all my relatives! We are all together under one SUN/SON!