O.K. - next installment -

This was, as I have found it to be in this life, along the Ice Age Trail some twenty miles or so southeast of Ladysmith, Wisconsin. In that day I was a runner, messenger for the different groups of my people, going from, perhaps, Minnesota to Michigan. I do remember being in the Porcupine Mountains and somewhat further east, but not further west, except vaguely, than this place, which was along a creek some 10/12 feet across. It was winter and there was a couple of feet of snow on the ground, the creek frozen solid. I was with an old lady, whom I believe I was taking to another group northeast of where we were, and a young girl, teenage, which was close to my age at the time.

We had lost the trail and were worried about whether it was north of our position or south of it. I said south and, as I was the experienced guide among us, I expected to be listened to. The girl argued that it was north and wouldn't listen to me. She was convinced of her direction and would not take no for an answer, but I was also convinced. She walked off towards the north in a huff, giving me a terrible feeling of what was going to happen to her as I had some feelings for her. The old woman told me to let her go, so I did, but I have chafed over that decision ever since, to this day, which is why it sticks with me as it is a significant event for that reason alone.

I do not remember the rest of the journey, but in subsequent memories the old lady is there and the young girl is not. That old lady was a very significant person to our people and it was a great responsibility for me to get her where she was going so I was thought highly of for my decision to leave the young one to her own devices. Yet, I do feel bad about the whole affair.

Now, this brings to light your feelings of having known someone before, and whether to tell them. I would urge you to do so for if it proves out wrong and somehow laughable to him at least you have gotten it out and can go on. If, however, he believes, or better yet remembers himself, what a joy you could have in the reunion. To do nothing is to carry it around with you until you finally have the courage to let yourself be bold and tell him. I think it's better to get it out.