Echinacea and Skullcap

Chapter 1 – New Beginnings

Corra meticulously bundled the last blue bottle in bubble wrap and carefully placed it in a tote, which was filled with the bottle's brothers and sisters; each one full of the most often needed herbal tinctures. Tote lid secured, she lifted it into the truck and made sure it wouldn't shift. The box truck's load was primarily herbs, herbal remedies, healing supplies, and books. Her clothes and personal items occupied a small section above the cab, with the exception of her camera and laptop, which were safely tucked in the passenger seat for the six-hour drive. Taking a second to complete one last visual inventory, satisfied that nothing had been left behind, she smiled a bittersweet smile. Leaving Toppenish meant starting an exciting new chapter in life, but, as is often the case, new beginnings are coupled with endings.

"Hey! Corra, you forgot something!" Maya, her mentor and mother, yelling jolted Corra out of her musings. What on earth could she have forgotten? Peeking around the back of the truck, she saw half of a beautiful selenite geode and a selenite necklace in her mother's hands. "These are for you. The crystal in this necklace was taken from the half of the geode that will stay here with me. Your father and I each have a crystal that was taken from the half of the geode that will move on with you. While I'm certain there will be regular visits, this will help keep us connected." Immediately jumping out of the truck, Corra pulled her mother into a tight hug, and was soon joined by her father, Jason.

"Thank you both, so much. You'll come visit soon, right?"

"Corra, of course we will visit, you silly girl," her mom said laughingly. "But, you need time to get settled and make your new home your own. The Quileute tribe has not been as lucky as our own Yakama tribe; they've been without a healer for many years. You agreeing to accept this position will do much to strengthen the connection and bond between tribes, which is something all tribes could use more of these days. I'm sure you will be very busy!"

"It's definitely exciting, but it's a lot of responsibility. I'm used to having you nearby for advice…but I guess it's time to take off the training wheels, huh?" In front of patients, Corra emitted a calm, comforting assuredness that could rival most healers and medical professionals. Yet, until she got into the flow of a session, there was still a small voice of uncertainty that made itself known.

"You may not have noticed, but I have. Corra, over the last year, you've relied on me less and less. Nearly all of our tribe is as comfortable seeing you as they are seeing me. You are ready for this. Trust your instinct, stay grounded and humble." Corra's mother smiled at her, carefully placing the selenite crystal around her neck and packing the geode safely in the truck. "Now, enough of this. It is time for you to get on the road. Remember, when you get close, call Billy Black. He's arranged for a place for you to stay until you get settled."

After final hugs, and assurances that she'd keep them posted during her trip, Corra slid into the driver's seat and adjusted the music. With a final wave out the window, she put the truck in drive and pulled away from her family home.