Rooj Neeb

There's something different about the things our parents buy and the things they make for us. My dad spent one full day and a half constructing my rooj neeb. He's not the handy type of guy, but when he does something, he does it with full heart and to the best of his capabilities. My father is a fair man, he does what's right and he's always there for his family and friends, despite what others think of him. He is a kind fellow, one who will never intentionally hurt or be hurtful. This weekend, my dad made my rooj neeb, my spirit guide, my spirit animal guiding me to the land of my ancestors and spirits. As he finished sanding the table, he said, "koj lus rooj neeb no yuav kav koj mus ib txhis" (your shaman table will last you until the end of time). Just think about it.. This will be the rooj neeb I use for the rest of my life and who better to have made it then my dad. I can't help to think about the future when my parents aren't around anymore; how this table will guide me back to them, how it will be the connection between my parents and I, to my grandparents and their parents and the entire ancestral family.

This rooj neeb means more to me than just a bench. In fact, it's everything but a bench. It's my bridge, the pathway to guide me through and heal people. It is the nees (horse) that will carry sick, lost, and dying souls. The weak, the strong, the dead, and the living will all ride with me on my rooj nees (table horse). It will endure my weight and every trance and battle I come across. I will be using it to travel, to see spirits and visit my ancestors. It will be my helping hand, flying me to and from the spirit world. It is my partner on the other side, just my nees and I. Every time I perform a shaman ceremony, my dad will be there with me every step of the way, from this land to others. He will be the power and strength behind every obstacle I face in this journey.

-tfl