There once was a boy who was very concerned about his family being very cold, and hungry all the time. This was long ago when many large creatures roamed the World and the people lived in damp caves. The boy would lie on one particular warm rock in the heat of the day, and just look at the beautiful landscape where the sky would touch the mountains.
One day the boy cried, and his tears dropped down upon the rock, what can I do to help my family and the clan, there must be something I can do," sobbed the boy.
As the boy fell asleep on the large rock in the mountains he heard a gruff voice say, "I have heard you, and I can help you if you will listen and learn." The boy was startled, "who is talking to me?"
The voice continued, " I am Grandfather Rock." The boy said, how can you talk to me?" Grandfather Rock said, "I am part of your vision to seek answers and you can hear me, because you want to listen." He went on to share stories about how to construct a fire, make a spear, ask the animals for food, and give thanks. He taught him a "Blessing Way" dance and song to show respect to all living things.
"A-ho-e-yea-ha," the boy sang his song, and used the gourd rattle with small round rocks inside for a sound like rushing water. He beat with a stick on a drum covered in animal skin to hear the rhythm of the heart. He used the bow and arrows to obtain skins and meat, using every part of the animal. Of course he always gave thanks. The family was happy, the animals were happy and the plants would smile with their flowers. It was a good time for the boy who was becoming a young man.
One day the young man went to the mountain and rested in the warm sunlight. As usual he heard the voice of Grandfather Rock, "well, it is time for you to go on your own. I have taught you all that is needed for you and your family, and for those to come after you."
The boy said, " I cannot leave you now, I will be sad, I really need you." Grandfather Rock said softly, " you are a young man now and eventually, you will become a Great Medicine Man of your tribe. All you have to do to hear me is to close your eyes and open your spirit ears to the wind. This is your guide. Of course, you will always give thanks, seek to help others in using your gift, be humble and respect the Elders, and now it is time for me to go."
There was no ohter sound from Grandfather Rock. However, to this day, every young boy and girl is aware of the wonderful gift of the rocks in the mountains. Where they can lie in the warm sun and may even hear a slight gruff. It may be the wind or it maybe Grandfather Rock.
Tags: Native Legends
