A Little Waboo Love Story
Friday, I received an amazing email sharing a warm-hearted story that brightened my day, and the customer agreed I could share it with all of you.
If you didn’t know already, in the Materials, Care, and Stories Page, I share anecdotal stories on the materials I use, such as “Why the Porcupine has Quills” and “How the Birch Got It’s Burns.” I make sure to share a link to these stories on each product page, so my customers know what they are buying. Each customer that purchases my work is acquiring as well as contributing to and sharing a bit of culture, spirit, and history.
If you didn’t know already, in the Materials, Care, and Stories Page, I share anecdotal stories on the materials I use, such as “Why the Porcupine has Quills” and “How the Birch Got It’s Burns.” I make sure to share a link to these stories on each product page, so my customers know what they are buying. Each customer that purchases my work is acquiring as well as contributing to and sharing a bit of culture, spirit, and history.
Mike, a recent customer, wrote me an email sharing why he purchased a pair of Short Pendant Birch Earrings for his wife. Of course, I had to ask to share because it was too cute to not!
He shared how he has read a lot of Native American writers, one of his favorites – “How the Birch Tree Got It's Burns” an Ojibwe legend retold by Aurora Conley.
He stated, “I started calling my wife - my "Little Waboo." I have been calling her that for years now. We are about to become first-time grandparents, and in discussing nicknames for our little one due at the end of May, we have decided that my wife will become "Big Waboo, " and the little one will have the particular name from us, our "Little Waboo."”
He shared how he has read a lot of Native American writers, one of his favorites – “How the Birch Tree Got It's Burns” an Ojibwe legend retold by Aurora Conley.
He stated, “I started calling my wife - my "Little Waboo." I have been calling her that for years now. We are about to become first-time grandparents, and in discussing nicknames for our little one due at the end of May, we have decided that my wife will become "Big Waboo, " and the little one will have the particular name from us, our "Little Waboo."”
| In the story Waynaboozhoo, the transformer - a common character used in Ojibwe stories, is in disguise as a Little Waboo (Rabit). Waynaboozhoo’s grandmother asks him to get fire from the Thunderbird, for warmth and to cook and prepare their food. Once Little Waboo reached the Thunderbird’s home, he asked, “Please share the warmth inside your home. I am cold and lost. I will only stay a little while, for I must be on my way." Little Waboo saw the fire and waited until the Thunderbird looked away. Then, Waynaboozhoo quickly rolled in the fire and took off running toward his home with the fire on his back! Thunderbird flew behind Waynaboozhoo throwing lightning flashes at him! Waynaboozhoo grew tired and yelled for someone to help him. Then Omaaî mitig, the birch tree, spoke. "Come, hide beside me my brother. I will protect you." The little waboos buried beneath the tree while Thunderbird flashed and thundered, angry that Waynaboozhoo had stolen the fire. The lightning bolts missed Waynaboozhoo every time, but they hit omaaî mitig. Dark burn marks scarred the white bark of the tree. That is why the birch tree now has burn marks on its bark. |
Mike told me, “I wanted my wife to know that she will always be my first “Waboo, ” and I wanted to do something special to let her know. I started a web search for “Waboo,” and then came across your jewelry. I purchased the Short Pendant Earrings. I recently gave them to my wife - she loves them. She says that she will proudly wear them.”
Maybe it’s just me, but I’m pretty sure Mike is the Omaaî mitig, the birch tree protecting his little Waboo(s). And I believe your wife would do anything to bring fire for her loved one.
Any grandparent would risk everything for their grandbabies; it comes with the title. Welcome to this new stage and congrats on becoming Grandparents, I’m sure you both will be amazing! Thank you again for sharing and this again confirms, exactly why I do what I do.
Maybe it’s just me, but I’m pretty sure Mike is the Omaaî mitig, the birch tree protecting his little Waboo(s). And I believe your wife would do anything to bring fire for her loved one.
Any grandparent would risk everything for their grandbabies; it comes with the title. Welcome to this new stage and congrats on becoming Grandparents, I’m sure you both will be amazing! Thank you again for sharing and this again confirms, exactly why I do what I do.
