Ancient Puebloan sites on the border between Colorado and Utah. Photos are from Little Ruin Canyon populated with up to 500 people over 700 years ago.

This valley was our home. We are gone but it is not deserted.

Our grandmothers and grandfathers are here. Weep not for them. We carry their wisdom and love in our hearts. Weep not for us. We lived, we laughed, we loved, we dreamed, and we flourished. Where there is love life flourishes.

The spirit of our Creator embraced us in mystery and awe. Mother Earth sang to us from dawn of day to setting sun, from changing moon and on star lit nights.  In our rituals we honored the mystery of all that surrounds us. We honored the path our ancestors traveled leading us to this time and place.

Our children grew strong in mind and in body and in spirit. We are proud. Life was abundant in the generous spirit of home, family, friends and community. Life is a gift from our Creator. Life was good.

Hokaheh!  Hold fast. There is more. Follow our path past the round house, square houses and the walls of once sturdy buildings our masons were proud to build; past open spaces that were once filled with work, play and worship.  It isn't far. Come join us. You are welcome as friends. Let us meet and share this magical place in thankfulness for all we have been given.

Take your time. Sit for a while and give permission to the cooling shade of the tree of life to surround and nurture your being.

Look around and within you. Admire all that is beautiful.

Rest here for a long moment of thankfulness and wonder at all you see and feel.

Hold the beauty of the moment in your heart. Let it embrace you and give you its love.

We are ahead. It isn't far. Soon you will hear our laughter and our songs. We are the voices of eternity. The happy smiling faces of our children are waving their excited hands in greeting to you. You are almost home.

Come join us.

Best wishes from Florida gators and ersatz archaeologists Bill and Carol.

September 19, 2015