Fool's Wisdom

by Jay Heavner

  “Tom, you knucklehead, do yourself a favor. Hush up and kiss me.”

  He placed his arms around her and gladly did as told. It was a long kiss, again. When their lips parted, they held each other tightly and gazed off toward the town below. Neither said much as the reality of what they’d done sank in. The couple sat another ten minutes enjoying each other’s company. A breeze picked up, and Tom pulled his collar up tighter. “As much as I’m enjoying this, the wind’s starting to cut into me here on this exposed rock.”

  “I know,” said Sarah. “When the sun warms things up, the wind gets to going. It seems like it’s always windy in this desert. Will West Virginia be like that?”

  “No. It gets cold like here, but it can be damp and rainy, and the wind doesn’t blow all the time. Sometimes in the summer, when it’s so hot and sticky, you wish you could buy a breeze, but you can’t no matter how much money you have. What do you say we get off this cold rock, head back to town, and tell the folks what we’ve done?”

  “Sounds good to me.” They hopped off the rock and headed toward the vehicle holding hands. Tom fired the van up, and they headed back down the frozen lane. He took a left on the paved road and drove toward the town. The sun hit the large, red rocks which lined the canyon and made its different shades shine.

  What a beautiful place. Tom mouthed something Dark Cloud had said, “May beauty surround you.”

  “What did you say?” asked Sarah.

  “Oh, sorry, just thinking out loud. It was something your father said, ‘May beauty surround you.’”

  “It’s a stark beauty, and I’ll miss it.”

  “I will too, but I believe you’ll soon learn to love the green tree-covered hills of Appalachia.”

  She smiled, “I think I will, and with you by my side, we can face the world.”

  “We will, but first, we face your dad. How do you think he’ll take the news?”

  “Only one way to know for sure. I think he’s been expecting it. Wonder what his big plans he mentioned are?”

  “Can’t be any more of a surprise than we’ve got for him,” Tom said.

  Chapter 26

  “Saturday?” exclaimed Tom and Sarah. “Saturday?”

  “Yes, this Saturday coming,” Dark Cloud. said, “It has to be this Saturday.”

  “Why so soon? Can’t we have a little more time to prepare for this?” pleaded Sarah. “There’s so much to do to prepare for a wedding.”

  “Yeah, I know. I saw the look in your eyes, and I figured I’d better do some checking on available buildings for a wedding and people to marry you,” said Dark Cloud. “The only place open now while they are refurbishing the mission chapel is the big room at the Chapter House. And the only open date for months is this Saturday. The church’s booked all the events that usually occur at the chapel in the Chapter House for the next several months. It’s either now, or months off. You should thank me for the foresight and looking for you.”

  Sarah’s face fell. “Dad, do you really think we can pull it all together by next Saturday?”

  “I do, but I know we’ll be busy, and we won’t need any big surprises. I checked at the trading post, and they’ve suits for men and beautiful, traditional dresses for you. They can prepare some of the food and the ladies auxiliary; I know, can produce a meal fit for a chief or a wedding reception with little notice and be happy to do it. And, at a reasonable price. We can do it,” he assured her.

  “I thought we‘d have more time.”

  Dark Cloud smiled. “By tomorrow night, everyone on the Big Rez will know about your wedding. News of this nature travels like wildfire on the moccasin telegraph. Tom, it’s kind of like the white man’s, heard it through the grapevine, only we use smoke signals.”

  Sarah rolled her eyes, “Daddy.”

  “Oh, all right. We’ll spread the news with the telephone. And one more thing. You know traditionally, the Dine’ have very little time between an agreement of marriage and the wedding, and it’s one tradition I want to keep, plus it gives the couple less time to get cold feet.”

  Sarah said nothing and seemed to be thinking. She looked at Tom and asked, “What do you think?”

  Tom was thinking about all this, and now was the moment to voice an opinion. He wanted to crawl under a rug and hide, but that wasn’t an option. He smiled his best smile and said, “Sarah, if tradition says it should be, and your father says we can do it, let’s do it. The thought of having you as my wife and returning home with you sooner than later sounds much better to me.”

  Dark Cloud’s smile flattened out when he heard of their decision to leave, but he forced a smile. “Sarah, I want you to be happy and with your husband. I knew you might be leaving, but it just hit me on what it will be like not seeing you every day.” He paused and sniffled through his nose. “Honey, I love you and want nothing, but the best for you today and forever.”

  Sarah hugged her dad and said, “I know you do. You always have, ever since I can remember.” Tears ran from her eyes.

  Tom went to them, and it became a group hug. When it ended, Tom asked, “Well, what do we do first?”

  Dark Cloud looked at him like he was silly and said, “How about we have lunch before we go over our plan of attack? You know an army, white or Indian, travels on its stomach.”

  Tom and Sarah laughed at his little joke. The trio got some sandwich material from the small refrigerator and a large can of soup off of the shelf. Lunch was ready in a jiffy. There was much to do, and a short time to get it done.

  ***

  Over the next few days, it was rush, rush, rush for the all involved. As father of the bride, Dark Cloud made a point of running the whole operation. The ladies’ auxiliary decorated the Chapter House and made plans for the food needed - items. Dark Cloud took Tom to the trading post, and they were both measured for new, dressy, blue jeans, a long-sleeve white shirt, a sky blue dress jacket, and new black boots. Tom needed a new belt, so Dark Cloud helped him pick out one with a large silver buckle and lots of turquoise and decorations. A traditional turquoise necklace and a purple headband would finish out their garb. “Guys have it easy,” Tom told Dark Cloud, who agreed. The older man told Tom that Mai, his lady friend, was helping Sarah pick out her bridal dress and accessories. Dark Cloud and Mai would be their witnesses at the wedding. Neither man was to see the ladies’ outfits until the wedding. It would be the one surprise, planned of course, for the big day. All seemed to be on track. What could go wrong?

  ***

  Thursday evening, supper time

  Tom sat on the old couch, his bed for the last week. He’d read several small books he’d found at the Charter House lending library about the Navajo people and their legends. They were mainly children’s books on the story of creation, how they won their freedom after the forced removal from Dine’tah and their return, and of course, many tales of the antics of Coyote, the trickster. He seems always to be getting into trouble with a ruse that often backfired on him. Tom wondered if perhaps this was where Warner Brothers got their idea for the Road Runner and Coyote cartoons. Perhaps. Sarah sat at the other end of the couch, reading with her feet and legs pulled up in front of her. Her book was one about the Sackett family called The Daybreakers by Louis L’Amour. Tom was surprised at how popular the author was on the reservation. Someone had donated at least a dozen to the library, and from the wear on the pages, this one was well-read long before Sarah got the copy. He eyed at her inviting form and thought of the delights awaiting them on the honeymoon. They’d take their time traveling back to West Virginia and see whatever sights were on the way, whichever way they chose on the journey. A sly smile came to his face. At that time, Sarah glanced up and saw Tom looking at her. “What?” she asked. He smiled more and she asked again, “What?” She realized what he was thinking. “Oh,” she said and smiled broadly as did Tom. Dark Cloud seemed not to notice. He was absorbed in an article in The Navajo Times newspaper.

  Tom took his mind off of the pleasures ahead
and stuck his nose back in his book. A few minutes later, that same nose told him the lamb stew cooking on the stove would soon be ready. His eyes fell on the table. Odd, Dark Cloud set the table for four, not the three that are here. Guess we’ll have company, but who? He hasn’t mentioned anything about a guest sharing the meal. Whatever he is up to will be revealed soon.

  Tom read a few more pages in the Coyote storybook. Coyote was hungry decided to satisfy his appetite with his cousin, Horned Toad. He swallowed him whole and thought how smart and clever he was. His pleasure soon turned to horror when Horned Toad began to move around and poke Coyote’s insides. He begged Horned Toad to leave, but he said it was nice and warm inside, and he liked it there. He didn’t want to leave. Coyote tried desperate measures like beating himself and swallowing a river of water to drown Horned Toad, but still, he wouldn’t go. Finally, Coyote pleaded with Horned Toad to leave. He said he would if Coyote apologized and promised never to do it again. He gladly did and Horned Toad left. Coyote realized he’d not been wise, but a fool. A wise Coyote didn’t make hasty decisions but would think his plan through. Tom could imagine old Navajo grandfathers telling their grandchildren Coyote and similar native tales as lessons about life.

  A knock at the door brought Dark Cloud to his fee. “Now, who can that be?”

  Tom had his suspicions that Dark Cloud already knew the answer to his rhetorical question. As Sherlock Holmes said, “Surely, the game is afoot.”

  The door opened, and a woman walked in, greeted Dark Cloud with a kiss, and exchanged hugs and salutations with the younger folk.

  Dark Cloud said, “Tom, this is Mai, my lady friend. I invited her tonight so we could get to know each other better.”

  Mai gave Dark Cloud her coat. He took it into the bedroom and quickly returned. “I think supper should be ready. Let’s eat, and then we’ll chitchat.”

  They all pitched in and had the food on a table in a jiffy. After a short blessing by Dark Cloud, they had a delightful meal mixed with small talk and some specific information on details of the upcoming wedding.

  Tom had the feeling something was up, so he got their attention and said, “I’ve had the feeling that this meeting’s more than just a happy meal among friends. I know it’s presumptuous, but I think you two,” he pointed to Dark Cloud and Mai, “are holding something back.”

  The older couple grinned. Dark Cloud spoke, “We are. Guess some things are hard to hide. I’d been thinking of asking Mai for her hand for some time, and when you and Sarah decided to get married, I asked Mai to marry me, and she said yes.”

  “Daddy, I’m so happy for you. I was worried about you all alone, and now I know you won’t be.” She got up from the table and hugged the seated couple. “It’s an answer to prayers.”

  “We have one more surprise for you,” Dark Cloud said.

  “Thought you were the one who wanted no surprises,” Tom said.

  Dark Cloud smiled, “I hope this is a pleasant and agreeable surprise. We’d like to make it a double wedding and also for you two to be our witnesses. What do you say?”

  Tom looked at Sarah, and her eyes said yes. He knew if it was okay with her, it was okay with him. He’d not go against the wishes of the bride. All eyes were on him, and he said, “Okay.” The three across the table exploded with joy, and they forgot about Tom. For that moment, time seemed suspended for him. If anyone a year ago had told me how my life would go in the coming year, I’d said they were bonkers. Meet a wild and crazy guy named Johnnie, get in trouble, end up in the Army, go to Vietnam, nearly get killed, almost not keep a promise I made to a dying man, meet Chris’ father and sister who in a few days would be my family, and now, also have a new mother-in-law or whatever they’re called in the matriarchal Navajo way of thinking that I understand so little of, I’d said they’re delusional or writing a soap opera. But here he was, and somehow he knew this was exactly where he was supposed to be. He couldn’t explain it, but in his heart, he knew it was so. Wonder what the Writer of this story has in mind for Sarah and me in the next year?

  Chapter 27

  The day of the wedding couldn’t arrive soon enough for Tom, and he could see the others also were eager for the big day to come. Dark Cloud explained to Tom how the wedding, a mix of traditional and modern, would go. Tom hoped he’d remember it all, but Dark Cloud told him if he forgot, follow his example, and everything would go smoothly. He hoped the older man was right. The short rehearsal the day before went reasonably smooth.

  On the night before the wedding, Sarah went to stay at Mai’s home. Dark Cloud told him it was bad luck to see the bride or brides. Tom had a hard time falling asleep that night as did Dark Cloud, but after a while, Tom heard him snoring. He wondered about the wisdom of marrying this young woman whom he’d only known for a few short months. She was from the western USA and he, the East. They were both part Indian but different tribes. She’d consented to come with him, but was it fair to her, her father, and her friends on the reservation? Would the people around the Cumberland area accept her? So many unanswered questions. The only thing he was sure of was he wanted Sarah as his wife, and they’d sort out the other issues the best they could as they came up. Life was like that. Smooth as silk and predictable from day-to-day until an unseen hand throws a monkey wrench in the gears, and life’s never the same again.

  Tom woke the next morning to the smell of coffee brewing and bacon frying. He looked at the table and saw four hard-boiled eggs with steam rising from them in a clear bowl placed in the center. He rolled out of bed and put his pants to put on.

  “Good morning, Tom. I trust you slept well,” Dark Cloud said.

  “I had a little trouble getting’ to sleep. You went down before I did.”

  “I remember the feeling - cold feet and jitters. I think every groom has them, especially the first time around. Do what you have to in the bathroom, and I’ll have breakfast ready to eat by the time you’re done.”

  “You’ve taken care of everything.”

  “I try to. Don’t like surprises.”

  Tom smiled, walked into the bathroom, and closed the door. When he was done and freshened up, he walked to the table and sat down. Dark Cloud had two plates set out with toast, two eggs, and bacon and a large cup of hot coffee next to it. “This looks great. Is this the traditional Navajo breakfast you serve before a wedding?”

  “No, a funeral.”

  Tom was surprised. Dark Cloud said, “Just kidding, my attempt at some gallows humor. It’s the end of our bachelor days. We’re kinda like dead men walking.”

  “What?”

  “I’m pulling your leg. Just nervous and wanting this done and over.” Tom nodded in agreement. Dark Cloud continued, “This isn’t a wedding meal. You’ll get the traditional cornmeal there.” He paused. “The eggs say I want you and Sarah to make many babies. I need a bunch of grandchildren to spoil.”

  Tom shifted uneasily at the thought of his soon to be father-in-law’s reference to sex, so he decided to press his luck.“Okay, I can see why you gave me eggs, but what about you? Why do you have eggs?”

  Dark Cloud grinned, “You never know. This old dog still has fire in the furnace, and you never know.”

  They laughed. After eating the late breakfast and cleaning up, the men went to the closet, got out their wedding attire, and quickly put them on.

  “How do I look?” asked Tom.

  “Like a lamb going to sacrifice.”

  “You do too.”

  “I know,” said the older man. “Goodbye freedom. We better get going. If we’re late, I don’t think the old excuse about being on Indian time will do today.”

  They left the house and walked the short distance to the Chapter House. Inside, they found a lot of people already there. The room was joyfully decorated with a mixture of Anglo and Navajo décor for the wedding. They mingled with the well-wishers. Two men, the local priest and a Navajo elder, who’d both officiate the ceremony, approached them and gave last-minute instructions.
The two grooms were to stand in front by them, and then the brides would walk up the aisle side-by-side. Once in front, they would stand beside their appropriate groom.

  The two men greeted guests for a few more minutes until the ceremony began. Four young men chanted as they drummed. Tom seemed puzzled. Dark Cloud saw this and said, “They’re giving traditional blessings for the wedding. I see they want us up in the front with the priests. Let’s go.”

  The two men went to the front with the mission priest and the Navajo elder, a pastor from the local church. Once there, the drumming and chanting dropped in volume and then stopped. The drummers remained seated and turned to the rear of the building as all did. A white woman whom Tom had never seen before began to play the traditional music of “Here Comes the Bride” on a piano. From a doorway in the back, the two brides emerged. Both Tom and Dark Cloud smiled. The two women were beautifully dressed alike. They wore a brightly toned cap of several colors covered with strings of beads also of many colors. Their brown dresses went to mid-calf and had fringes on the sleeves and at the bottom. Both women’s hair was braided and had pretty ribbons on the braids. Large turquoise earrings dangled from Mai’s ears. Sarah’s were somewhat smaller. Both wore necklaces of black, brown, and an almost transparent stone of some sort. Their shin coverings reminded Tom of the leg guards a baseball catcher wore, but these were multicolored turquoise, red, and white patterns. The brown moccasins also had many braids of similar hues.

  The music played as the two women made their way to the front to their awaiting grooms. They stood next to them, and the four were all smiles.

  The Navajo elder spoke,

  “Now, you will feel no rain, for you will be shelter for each other.”