Reznet

My Family's Traditions

By Christie Cooke

Indian life is full of traditions.

Because I am a mother I am more aware of them.

They are most important in raising Indian children today, I believe.

Both my children slept in cradleboards, a Diné tradition that is still practiced by many mothers in the community I come from.

Besides the Diné traditions I try to instill in them, my children and I have created our own special traditions.

A very simple tradition my little family started is to say "Good Morning" to one another. I don't always remember, but when I do, I swear, it makes a difference in the mornings.

At night, before we go to sleep, I always tell Emma I love her. She really likes this special tradition. If I don't remember to tell her, she'll rub my arms the way she does, and her soft, small voice whispers, "I lub yoooou, Mawm."

Holding my children's hands is one of my favorite traditions we created together, too. Since my children's birth, I have always held their hands. Usually I hold one hand at a time. I like to pinch the cold and plump parts of their hands.

I also held their hands during the times I breastfed them. Before nap time and bed time, I still hold their hands. When we walk together, I hold Emma's hand. When Emma needs attention, she'll reach out and ask to hold your hand.

One of my best memories as a mother occurred one night I decided to put my babies to sleep together for bed time. They lay side by side sleeping soundly. Later I went back to check on them, and to my surprise, I saw Emma and Edward holding hands!

It was a very special moment for me. I don't know why but it was precious. Heart-warming in the way they found comfort in each other. It made me happy because I know for their rest of their lives they will always have each other, and that special bond between brother and sister is strong as the traditions that define Diné life and the very meaning of family.

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Read Christie Cooke's previous Native Moms blog, "Just After 8 O'Clock"

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.

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