Ya’át’ééh Késhmish

Christmas Eve on the Navajo Land

The tinkling bell coming from the sheep corral,
Could it be that a new lamb is born?
The night sky is the clearest and the stars are the brightest
Only a coyote’s howling breaks the silent night.
The Hogan stove pipe is whirling smoke gently
The cold night is calm and peaceful.
The snow reflects the light of the stars
The beauty of winter nighttime is here
The clean cold air is crisp and refreshing.
Christmas Eve is here,
To bring together families
A time for storytelling by the elders,
A time to listen, A time to learn.
Ya’át’ééh Késhmish to all, and to all a good year.

(written by Johnson Dennison, Native American Healer)

Vera Lynn Hatzfeld.... Grandma (05/19/33 -12/15/08)

A more loving and giving woman,  you'll never meet.

She was an amazing woman who stood up for her herself, her friends, and especially her family. She lived for helping other people, as this was truly what made her happy. She was always loving a new foster animal...from skunks to goats, chickens, cats, dogs & who knows what else!

All who knew her were better for it. The smile, the laughs, the hugs, and the spoiling (think handmade quilts, chocolate gravy and homemade fudge) made her the grandest Grandma of all. We will miss you very, very much.