My beloved Tonska Jordan, Tonja Jelana, Tonska Kai, and Sister Deloria! My younger sister has always been a light of love and guidance in my life! She has always stood by me through thick and thin, and if I was off-track she will always share her perspective.
I am sure there are many other friends and relatives who have similar brothers and sisters! Of course, I can’t mention my sister, without remembering my late beloved brother-in-law, Jacob.
As was our tradition in our Dakota culture, we followed the cultural protocols of a brother and brother-in law. This means, in part, I can tease him, but he can’t respond.
And when he went into hospice, I have never known another human being who faced death with the deep faith and peace that he did. Even when I write this tears are flowing.
Another part of this cultural protocol is that, right or wrong, a Dakota/Lakota Brother-in-Law stands with the people brother of his wife, whether you are right or wrong. And Jacob was always like this. And anyone who tried to put me down or say anything negative about me would be stopped in their tracks before could complete their sentence. And they were eliminated from my Brother-in-Laws circle.
The relationship with a Brother-in-Law is a Sacred as between Koda’s. My beloved father told me that I would be very fortunate if I had 1 or 2’s Koda’s in my life.I have been very fortunate in my life!
