I vowed to ignore the Obamamania that has gripped Americans during the past few months. But when I spotted a headline that said Obama was adopted, I had to investigate.
It’s true. Obama’s adoptive parents are Hartford and Mary Black Eagle, of Lodge Grass, Montana. The Black Eagles, members of the 12,100-member Crow Nation, adopted Obama during a private ceremony this past summer.
In an article for The Washington Post, Michael Laris reports:
“…Hartford waved smoke from burning cedar needles over Obama, twice in the front and twice in the back, with a bald eagle fan. Afterward, Obama told reporters he was deeply moved by the ceremony…”
The adoption was not just a publicity stunt or an honorary degree; Obama is now considered a member of the Crow Nation. He was christened “Awe Kooda Bilaxpak Kuxshish,” which means “One Who Helps People Throughout This Land.”
His adoptive parents, who are in their mid-70s, were selected because they have five living generations on the reservation. The Black Eagles were seated in a place of honor during Obama’s inauguration.
Although Obama’s adoption was an obvious political move by both the Crow Nation and the Obama campaign, I’m still struck by the significance of the decision. A genetic or “blood” connection is NOT the be-all, end-all sign of true family. True family means welcoming a new family member—regardless of their age—honoring and caring for that person the remainder of your days. It means celebrating the unique qualities that person brings into your life.
As you go through your week, identify a person you might like to adopt—or ask to adopt you. Who is that person?
Barack Obama Adopted into Crow Nation
in News, Issues, & Commentary
I vowed to ignore the Obamamania that has gripped Americans during the past few months. But when I spotted a headline that said Obama was adopted, I had to investigate.
It’s true. Obama’s adoptive parents are Hartford and Mary Black Eagle, of Lodge Grass, Montana. The Black Eagles, members of the 12,100-member Crow Nation, adopted Obama during a private ceremony this past summer.
In an article for The Washington Post, Michael Laris reports:
“…Hartford waved smoke from burning cedar needles over Obama, twice in the front and twice in the back, with a bald eagle fan. Afterward, Obama told reporters he was deeply moved by the ceremony…”
The adoption was not just a publicity stunt or an honorary degree; Obama is now considered a member of the Crow Nation. He was christened “Awe Kooda Bilaxpak Kuxshish,” which means “One Who Helps People Throughout This Land.”
His adoptive parents, who are in their mid-70s, were selected because they have five living generations on the reservation. The Black Eagles were seated in a place of honor during Obama’s inauguration.
Although Obama’s adoption was an obvious political move by both the Crow Nation and the Obama campaign, I’m still struck by the significance of the decision. A genetic or “blood” connection is NOT the be-all, end-all sign of true family. True family means welcoming a new family member—regardless of their age—honoring and caring for that person the remainder of your days. It means celebrating the unique qualities that person brings into your life.
As you go through your week, identify a person you might like to adopt—or ask to adopt you. Who is that person?
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