Dear Grand Parents

[Embry Call]

Dear Grand parents,

I know we haven’t gotten many occasions to get to know each other while you were alive but I felt like telling you all how everything’s going for me now. I know you and mom didn’t always see eye to eye but the traditions of the Makah are as important to me in my mind as the Quileute traditions are.

It wasn’t easy growing up without knowing much about my family. I’m glad however that today I know the truth, and have been blessed by having not only learned who my father is, but to know that I now also gained a brother, sister in law and niece. It’s great because I used to wish I could have a brother or sister when growing up. I know I gained a lot of them by being a part of the protectors of our land but it didn’t quite feel the same to me. We were lucky to have welcoming people here on the reservation that helped us whenever we needed. Billy and Sarah taking care of me before I was old enough to go to school while Mom worked at the gift shop. That same store, I now take care of and mom finally followed her dream and went back to nursing and is keeping the Makah tradition of herbal medicine from our past. She’s as busy as ever but much happier since she started again in this and I’m glad it’s her turn to do something that makes her happy.

I’ve also discovered my growing interest in the legends from the two tribes that I come from. I hope to one day learn as much as I can so I can transmit them, in turn, to my children like mom and Billy did to me while growing up.

You both will always have a place in my heart. Perhaps will I feel your presence in the forest on a run one day like I do my Quileute ancestors?

Your grandson

Embry