Coyote – photograph by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

On June 15 of this year, while seeking guidance in my family’s decision to move from Dauphin Island, I began reading some Native American works about “vision quests” or “lamenting” or “crying out for vision.” The advice in the readings included the consultation of someone old and wise. Later in the early evening, from our house on the Island, I began my quest taking a walk with no particular destination in mind. From Bienville Avenue, I entered the Audubon Bird Sanctuary and found my way to a wise friend and Spirit bearer, the large old magnolia tree. Placing my hands high onto it and leaning forward on it, I stayed there asking for “vision” and “guidance.” Walking home by way of the beach, I saw the moon rising after its eclipse. The moon was a remarkable yellowish, orange color. Throughout the night, I continued my urgent request for vision.Later that night, in a dream, I was walking through a large capitol like Washington, D.C. This place was under some vague threat, but I was a tourist, a spectator, taking pictures, and I and the other tourists were not particularly concerned about the threat. Soon I came to a stunning, silvery, domed structure with many openings that connected it to the outside. As I was admiring the structure and its outside gardens, a coyote appeared. The coyote was alert and engaging as it darted quickly around the structure. I was barely able to get a photograph of the coyote, when the coyote was once again out of sight.

After the coyote’s appearance, I and the other tourists looked at each other. We knew we had been warned. We knew that we should flee. But the lure of the capitol was strong, and why shouldn’t we enjoy this day a little more, why not see one more attraction, we’d probably be fine. So I kept walking around the domed structure, but then someone shouted, “I see it!” Instinctively, I knew it must be a missile, and I imagined that the person who had shouted must have seen the fire coming from the missile on its approach. With no looking back, I ran as fast as I could in full panic trying to get to some place of safety before the explosion. I knew that the other people must be running too. As I ran and ran, I was so frightened that I did not even dare to look to the side. Still sprinting hard, as I was nearing an area with some tall grass that I thought might afford some safety, the explosion slammed into my back and threw me forward. Still in midair, questioning whether I would live or die, I woke up.

The next day at breakfast, I told my family about the dream. Then, in consultation with my family, I identified three pieces of property that might be right for us.

The following day, I made appointments for myself at each of the three properties. Each of the appointments was for the next day. When I went to the appointments for the first two properties, they were less than I had expected. When I went to find the third property, I had trouble finding it, but with help of some kind people in the area I was able to find it. There were lots of birds, blueberry bushes, trees, and a small country house. The real estate person wasn’t there. I knocked on the door but no one answered.

I decided to take a quick walk around the house and then go into the field in the back. As I was walking on a cleared pathway in the field, I saw an animal along the backside of the field in the tall grass. The animal and I both stopped. We just stared at each other. I wondered what it was. A wolf? A German shepherd?  I was glad that I was carrying a walking stick. Before long we both gained confidence and continued along the way we were going. This brought us closer together until the animal entered the same pathway that I was on. At that moment, it stopped again and looked at me. Out of the tall grass, I could see the coyote clearly. Half with a laugh but much more with astonishment, I asked, “So, is this it, God? Is this how far we have to go to be safe?”

Of course, it’s a longer story with many more details, but this property is now our new home – Deer Park – Washington County, Alabama – just north of Citronelle. We plan to remain connected to and committed to the coast – its people and nature. But now we’re also sharing a new home with new animals, deer and even bear. We hope to do some serious gardening and are meeting wonderful people up here.

In terms of safety (and sustainability), everyone should follow their own heart. Each person’s heart may lead in different directions for different reasons. Ours has led us to Deer Park. Yet all our paths are interconnected. Each person and each family must find their own path. Seek, be patient and alert, wait, listen, …

Our new home in the country with Leo, Julita, and Edward – photographed November 12, 2011.

Rosie, Julita, Edward, and Leo enjoying a picnic in the field – photographed November 12, 2011.