Niawen

This was written by Dave King on Friday, May 27, 2011.

From the bottom of my heart I thank you all for the prayers and well wishes and support that my husband’s family and community have shown me. It has always been and will always be my great honor to be his wife and a member of the King and David family.

Nia:wen Kowa, Lizz

She:kon Sewakrekon Akwesaronon,

I realize there is no word in the Kanienkehaka language that says “I’m Sorry”. I apologize for the amount of time it has taken me to write this letter of gratitude to you all. I have had a horrendous time getting myself motivated to do anything. I have been in the hospital for at least half of the month of May and several visits in between March and May. How depressing is that? I still have this infection on my leg that requires plenty of attention because it will not heal. If there is anything natural you know of please let me know.

This by no means diminishes my sincere gratitude for the participation in both the fundraisers that were held to aid my wife and I in these difficult times. The money raised is going to monthly living expenses, co-payments for medical visits, gas for travel to and from the hospital. It is truly uplifting to know that the community came together so quickly and opened your hearts and wallets in support of our situation. I still have a ways to go. I am due for an evaluation to assess whether I am eligible for this procedure. We have to travel to Rochester, MN. for the first one. After that, if I am accepted the surgery will be there at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. If not, I will have to go see the next institute. This includes Cedars Sinai Medical Center or the UCLA Medical Center, both in Los Angeles, California.

This is a very difficult and dangerous surgery and the help the community of Akwesasne has helped me set my mind at ease for a short spell. With this in mind I’d like to thank a few people by name and the rest of the people are no less important. The Akwesasne Women’s Singing Society, namely Theresa Fox and Tsionni Fox and Charlotte King thank you for organizing and maintaining a very successful Taco Sale and Social Dance held at the Longhouse. With all my heart I thank you. Nia:wen Kowa.

To my immediate family who assisted one another to organize a successful Spaghetti Dinner and Dance held at the Louis E. King Memorial Legion Post 1497. With all my heart I thank you. Nia:wen Kowa. Julia, Charlotte, Francis, Sue, Cheryl, Elly, Ceely and Kevin. I love you guys and please keep in touch.

To the people of Akwesasne, please consider becoming an organ donor and may you always Walk in the Great Peace.

Oh – and Aunt Annie: I’m not afraid of you!!!!! I love you all. O:nen ki Davey