Words of Chief Joseph

When I was in junior high {middle school today}, I wrote a report on Chief Joseph and his tribe the Nez Perce. I remember being deeply moved by his words, the surrender speech he gave after having tried ~and failed after days of fighting~ to lead his people safely to Canada. The Chief's speech profoundly described the plight of American Indians and their struggle with the white man. The last lines from his speech I still can recall: "Hear me, my chiefs. I am tired. My heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever." Such eloquent words of sorrow & surrender. And lately, I have found myself relating a bit to Chief Joseph and his words. Not that I have suffered the hardships his people endured--hardly--but, for these past few weeks, my heart has been feeling sick and sad. Sick with worry, sad with grief. Janie's death, my mother's continued hospitalization, and the recent diagnosis of her lung cancer have taken a toll on me...on my family. And so, all these years later, I am again moved by the words of Chief Joseph.