This man was a wonderful man! He was not beyond fault, but none of us are. This life was a difficult one for him. He was one of the few, when called to duty, went to Vietnam. He witnessed things most people would never imagine, but he did what he had to do for his country. Personally, I thank him and any/all who answered that call. I did not agree with the government on this, but neither did he-yet he still did his duty. To me, that was way beyond what he owed this government. You see, Walking Horse was Lakota and this government did whatever they could think of to extinguish his people. He was more forgiving than most and for that, he deserves the largest set of wings issued in heaven. Even though he struggled with this life as well as his family, he always had and gave hope to those who felt they had none. In his later years he was blessed by being a grandfather. He was a very proud man and when it came time to file for his disability, it was repeatedly denied; even when this proud Lakota Warrior could no longer move from a chair to the bed without help.

I was proud, honored and blessed to have this man in my life as an uncle! His disability finally came through yesterday on August 15, 2008, after years of denial. Yesterday was also a day that I will never forget. The reason is because Walking Horse went home to the Great Creator. His battles of this life are finished. He no longer is in pain and he can see with new eyes and he no longer has to fight to be able to breath. He is whole!

May his memory continue and live for eternity. May his blessings on the other side be way more there than what he had here. May he continue to reside by the Great Creator's side never to see the selfishness of this world again. May the thought of him always bring a smile and warm memories to those of us who will deeply miss him. But, this we know, when it comes our time to go with the Great Creator, we will see him again. And he tells me that he will come along for the ride to gather us home!

Blessings of love, light and honor, to you WALKING HORSE!