Introducing a Blog for Native Moms

Christie Cooke at home in Albuquerque with her two children, Edward and Emma.

Introducing a Blog for Native Moms

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.—There's nothing more I want to accomplish in writing this blog than to just be honest about my trials and tribulations of motherhood.

I'm American Indian. I am educated and proud to be in possession of a bachelor's degree and a terminal degree in creating writing. I am the proud, single mother of two children: Emma and Edward. They define my emotions, feelings, struggles, goals, morals, values and beliefs. They are my sustenance. They are my life as an American Indian woman.

Motherhood came to me almost naturally. I grew up in a big family. I was a little mama to my youngest brother and a babysitter to many of my neighbors' children. Changing diapers, feeding, bathing, cradling, playing and loving babies was a big part of my childhood and adolescence.

My daughter came into my life in 2005, I was 23, and I knew what I had to do almost immediately, instinctually, some might say. Edward arrived just 18 months later. Since then, I worked hard to do the "right" things in the beginnings of their lives, I believe.

There have been many challenges, too. Sometimes I just can't believe how much I've grown and overcome. My experiences challenged the definitions of the contemporary American Indian family. Also I witnessed how my family came together for the benefit of my children.

I have learned many good lessons from my sisters and my parents. My sisters, who are also mothers, taught me the ways I want to mother and love my children. They are more experienced than I am, I admit, but I strive to be like them in ways I have seen them mother their children. And my parents have taught me one of the most important values as an Indian parent: Do not (two words I use in almost every conversation I have with my two-year-old) forget to teach your children about who they are.

We are Dine, or Navajo. Many concepts and philosophies in Navajo life, I was taught, are defined by the underlining theme of Hozhoo, or the Beauty Way. Navajo people strive for Hozhoo, beauty, balance or our concept of happiness. I strive for that everyday.

Also in Navajo philosophy of life, there should always be an "outlet," a way out. Literally, that is evident in the design of our Navajo wedding baskets and even in our cradleboards for babies.

To write this blog is my outlet. It is one of the ways I try to attain Hozhoo in motherhood and as a human being.

I hope to document my actions and thoughts and stories through the writing of this blog. I want to find some common ground with other mothers and define some ways that American Indian motherhood is truly unique.

* * *

Read Christie Cooke's first Native Moms blog entry.

Christie Cooke, Navajo, has a master of fine arts degree in creative writing from the University of Arizona. She is a graduate of the Freedom Forum's 2007 American Indian Journalism Institute.

To send Christie Cooke a message please click here

Ahe'hee'

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 2008-03-26 09:07.

Miss Chris, Your children are truely blessed. You are on the right path, it may be a path filled w/ trials & tribulations but you have already found the common ground you seek...you are showing us this common ground with your precious words and comforting lessons of life. We, as single mothers, walk this earth alone, w/ our babies in tow but w/ guidance from our holy ones & blessings from our Creator we find the strength & resiliance to find Hozhoo. And you are such a blessing. Your children will go forth & prosper, because you have found this common ground, you have seen Hozhoo & you have obtained the humbleness, along your journey of struggles, to share this w/ others who too, seek 'happiness'. Thank You Chris, for your words and Thank You for being the mother you are to your children.
My two boys, 16 & 7 are my life and I breathe what you have written. I, too, have been blessed to see Hozhoo... everytime I look at them & share in their successes & their stuggles, they are truely my reason for existence.

Ahe'hee'
CLSilversmith

well said!

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 2008-03-04 15:38.

Hello Christie
Wow- you are truly one hard working wonderful mother.
Who would do anything & everything to make sure your children are well taken care of.
I being a working mother of 2 children one teen and one preschooler and not forget also a very tradtional pueblo women is tough! Living in two worlds is definetely hard to do! gots to give lots of credit- you go girl! Keep up the great work! No one ever said life would be easy, right? I believe that the creator made the most strongest women "single mothers for a reason!" they knew they would carry the burden of being both mother/father,
strive & maintain beauty, balance & you could handle it all!
Can't wait to read more blogs!

Thanks for sharing such a "well said blog!"

Ann-

Its not easy being a Mother,

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 2008-02-19 18:46.

Its not easy being a Mother, but the rewards will show at the end. I think many children now days have busy working Moms, but its not the Mom's fault. Our world just asks too much of us, we need to have two-income households just to get by. I am just glad someone wrote about this. In Indian tradition the womens' role in life has always been of the utmost importance. We are everything to the children. In this day and age children need the Moms around 24/7. What would we do without our Mothers, our clans. Thank you for such a good article!

Great Job

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 2008-02-14 15:59.

Chris,

I love it! You make our family proud and I am especially proud to be your sister and take your words to heart. Raising our little ones is not easy but you make it sound all natural in this blog. I am not a great writer but I know what I am trying to say and that is you inspire a lot of native mommie's by expressing these thoughts. I miss my niece and nephew but most of all I miss Emma little feet running around the house and I miss seeing Edward's empty bottles. I miss them!

Anyways, great job Sis!

Love Miss

EXACTLY!!

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 2008-02-14 12:37.

Wow...I have never read something so passionate as you put it! I love it! I love that you still maintain your roots and show your children how to be a strong Navajo! Keep them blogs coming because I love reading it!

-Perphina Wauneka

Loving it....

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 2008-02-14 09:03.

Christie,
I believe you've got a great start on your bloggin.... It sounds good, especially addding in the navajo philosophy. But keep it up, i'm always here to help you!
Love Marsha

AWW sweet!

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 2008-02-14 08:46.

HI CHRISTIE! GREAT BLOG! HAS ALOT OF MEANING AND LOVE. KEEP DOING WHAT U DO BEST.. BEING A GREAT MOTHER & FATHER TO YOUR KIDS.. and a Great Writer!
God Bless!
DeAndra Morris

:0)

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 2008-02-14 08:26.

Hey Chris!

I'm glad you finally get to do what you love, to write. Keep it up and I can't wait to read more. Take care of them babies and give 'em smooches for me.

Love you lots!

Mahin :0)

i love it

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 2008-02-14 06:13.

hey Christie!
Im the first to comment...yay. But i love it! Im almost in tears seeing you and your little babies. I cant wait to read more about your experiences. (so, tsxiilgo). Give them a big kiss for me :0). And Happy Valentines Day!!!
Love, Candace B

Reznet

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