Beloved Uncle...

My Dad's younger brother Dale passed away last August. He was a good man and very loved.

He asked that his ashes be spread near the Homestead where he was raised. His daughter's Debbie and Teri came from California to honor that request. It was a small gathering on a hill near Grandpa and Grandma Federer's ranch. We scattered my brother Les's ashes on the same hill back in 1988. 

We held hands and Aunt Kay offered a beautiful prayer.

My cousin Debbie asked that we participate in a Native American smudging ceremony. Smudging is performed to remove negative energy as well as for centering and healing. Smudging calls on the spirits of sacred plants to drive away negative energies. Debbie used a sage smudge stick that is burned, and the smoke is directed using a feather. Debbie had a real Eagle feather. The smoke is then wafted around each person using the feather, creating a bath of smoke. It was a good experience to stand on the land that Grandpa Federer homestead over 100 years ago.

 Debbie explaining the smudging ceremony.

Teri's turn

My great-nephew Paden performing the smudging for Debbie. He is an amazing kid.

After the ceremony Debbie asked us to take turns scattering Uncle Dale's ashes. 

I brought some balloons and we released them heavenward. We were all amazed that they floated directly over the Homestead.

I also brought roses and we each took turns placing one on the prairie in memory of my cousin Cherie, who recently passed away. She is the second daughter of Uncle Dale, and she was really looking forward to this trip. We all missed her. 

We shared memories of Uncle Dale and Cherie, and shed a few tears.

It was a privileged to be with my family that morning, and to bring Uncle Dale to his Wyoming home.

Family to honor Uncle Dale 

Debbie Federer Coy
Teri Federer
Lloyd Federer and Rhonda Bowman
Eileen Federer Williams
Mandy Federer Morava, Paden, and Jasper
Kay Federer Dangerfield