Early morning walks have been our routine since we arrived home from the hospital. I've watched Fyn's eyes open to the beautiful world surrounding us on these walks. The first time we made it to our river spot, I sang "Here comes the sun" as the sun peaked out from February skies, and it is a tradition we've continued each day since. As we emerge from the tunnel of tree limbs, the sun can often be seen rising over the river. These winter months make for some dark morning walks at 6 a.m., but we continue because I love the peacefulness of Fyn falling back to sleep next to my chest. At one bend in the river, we say thank you to our ancestors. It is a ritual I would like to keep indefinitely and will teach Fyn about as he grows up. I know I will tell him our ancestors created a better world for us. As a father, I realize how important it is to create a better world for Fyn and his children. Our generation has the opportunity to change the world by thinking of our children. What kind of world do they deserve? A world of beauty powered by people rather than machines.

Energy spinning the world
Power circulating in the air
Ancestors connected-realizing
We are all one.

The land was stolen
So we became the clouds
The waters polluted
So we became the rain to wash

The world for a new generation
Many have now passed
And it is time for us
To be heard by all you followers

We will lead you with drumbeats
Like thunder throughout the land
Our voices call out to you
As the wind rustling the leaves

This world is about love
Connection to other beings
Instead of machines and things
Return to the sounds of nature--

Listen as a songbird sings.
Hear raindrops slipping over leaves
Be still, notice the colors
Orange flowers, green trees, white snow

We maintain connection
With nature-she lives
Full of energy to supply
All our needs-love nature.