St. Johns Sun

On Jan. 12, a huge circle of people gathered by the St. Johns River at Marywood Retreat Center for what was an incredible, moving experience. Basil Brave Heart and his wife Charlotte travelled from their South Dakota reservation to bless the river. The group was "cleansed" with smoke from sage leaves, spread across each participant with an eagle feather. Good friend and St. Johns Riverkeeper Neil Armingeon offered participants water from the river to place upon their finger tips. With chants and drumbeats from fellow Native Americans and others participating in the ceremony each person in the circle placed their prayers in the form of tobacco on to prayer cloths.

The book of Ecclesiastes says, “To every thing there is a season,” and for me, the season has come to bid adieu.

This has been the one of the most incredible parts of my life’s journey. I will sorely miss writing for you each week. Through the Sun, I have had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people and cover fascinating stories along this road.

I’ve experienced the St. Johns River in ways I never dreamed possible, including alligator hunting, commercial crabbing, and monkey sightings. I’ve walked the spiritual lands surrounding Fort Mose, feeling the whisper of ancient voices rising with the sweltering heat. I’ve worked “inside the ropes” at the TPC, rubbing elbows with the greats of the game.