Remembering My Father, Mato Gi, Brown Bear, on His 100th Birthday

· Reflection

January 11th, 1915 - January 11th, 2015. My beloved father, Mato Gi, Brown Bear, Phil Sr. is 100 years old today. Happy Birthday, Dad. Looking forward to being with you and mom in the "Other Side Camp" when my time comes! I always remember you laughing and saying, " Son, none of us are going to get out of here alive!" or another truth you always shared with me, "Son, we are only here for a short time!" Finally, at 70, I really do understand what you were wisely sharing with me!

Phil Lane Sr., an elderly man in a white cowboy hat and dark scarf, smiling and holding an eagle feather fan outdoors at night.

Faded colour photo of a girl in a beaded buckskin dress on a spotted horse beside a man in a feather headdress on a horse, under trees.

Black-and-white photo of a young man in jeans and boots standing in front of a wooden building, holding a saddle.

Black-and-white oval portrait of Phil Lane Sr. as an elderly man in a striped shirt and scarf, holding up an eagle feather fan.