WE ARE VETERANS…OUR RITE OF RETURN
A Community Mirror by Dr. Debbee Maraglio-Lynn
We are beautiful
We are Veterans
We are Nature
Our stories are us and give life to our new stories
Our new creations and our I AM statements.
We are joyous and safe
We forgive others for ourselves
We love ourselves
We are free from shame
We are free from the military
We are loved by God
We build and grow community and trust
We are a masterpiece, glorious, powerful and worthy of Love
Our stories are perfect just as they are
We heal our Earth
We heal our Ancestors to heal our children
We are the shadows within the light and the flame within the night
We are the same yet unique and ever-changing
We simply are
We are strong, real, and accomplished humans
We are worthy and deserving of love and respect
We are able to be vulnerable
We are worthy and deserving of acknowledgment
We are worthy of all the happy and beautiful emotions that come with respect
love and being seen
I am enough
You are enough
We are enough and we ALL BELONG HERE
We are Veterans
We are Nature
We are Beautiful
We are Connected to our Creator, the Earth, to each other, and our ancestors
We are mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers,
Aunties and uncles, grandmothers and grandfathers
We are the daughters of our mothers
The sons of our fathers
Returning from the Rite of Return Ceremony
Whole initiated adult humans
Sharing our seven stories revealing the mysteries and messages
Revealing the human spirit’s ability to transform, transmute, and lay to rest what once was
To unveil what truly is and what is possible
Diving deeper into self and community
To find meaning in self
In messages from nature and in messages from God
Finding love, self-care, beauty,
grief, another’s suffering,
love of self, love of God,
Deep love of family, and love of community.
The mighty helpers of family and community asked for help
Allowed themselves to be supported and loved, Allowed for the receiving of help
The helpers were helped, loved, supported, and safe
Asked for help from God, the Creator
The owls sang messages
The squirrels watched and protected-safety
A lightness and immense love of family
Love and Joy
A dingo doglike parent and child pass across the path with a message
Deep rituals and strong sense of safety
A father’s love
Joy and love
The right spot is found after several trials landing northeast
Buzzy bee protects
Beloved cats and humans in a series of sorries and forgivenesses, acceptance lands
Love and Joy
Enchanted forest sunlit glen barefoot walking in awareness
Understanding pain of husband
Self-love and child-like joy
Joy and Love
Far away hilltop, rest,
Facing the bully head on
Until no more loathing words came
Knowing safety, love of self, and being loved
Love and Joy
The ridgetop found beauty with plans of a funeral; realized a wedding more appropriate
To take only what is needed, honor community and Earth
A queen with a beautiful crown; bee stings messages, eagles soar
Joy and Love
Being seen and heard
We are held in support, honor, and safety
We are seen and heard
Willing to give and receive; help and love
Phenomenal…Bubbling Brook…Humbled…Honored
Excited…What will the medicine do?
Magical, Rested, Hurt Good, So proud of you
Sharing vulnerability, joy, song, and poetry
LOVE and JOY
Gratitude…Filled with Seven Stories
Wonder, unpredictable, real
Beauty in grief, sunset spider web flashing, grief and beauty coexist
Stories intertwine, loom woven of contrast, connection of the weaving threads in community
DEEP GRATITUDE
I am enough
You are enough
We are enough and we ALL BELONG HERE
We are Veterans
We are Nature
We are Beautiful
We are Connected to our Creator, the Earth, to each other, and our ancestors
Becky, Chuck, Kristina, Kristin, Mark, Doug, and Dana, thank you for showing us all what is means to come to True Identity, Purpose, and Belonging after military service.
From the team privileged to hold that story…
Photos: Dr. Debbee Maraglio-Lynn, Chuck Tyler, Cj Ryan Mielcarek
Bow to Mark Oravsky and Donny Reed for preparing initiates for their Rite, to Larry and Susan Hobbs for opening up their hearts and land to us, Enterprise Truck Rental Olympia, The Marie Bed and Breakfast, Warrior PATHH, The Wildernesss Guides Council, our initiate community, partners, and donor fellowship.
For just one of many moments over twelve days in August 2024, you helped mend the scars from service with the joy of wild freedom.
In Loving Memory of Tim Linder
