Roots of Peace, Seeds of Hope: A Journey for Peacemakers

by Maggie Steincrohn Davis

This book is my best understanding of what Native and non-Native people have been to one another in this country. In it, I put what I wish I'd known when I was young -- what it was my right to know -- what it's your right to know today. As a nation, and for each of us alone, we will choose wisely where we are going, only when we know where we have been.
                                                                              -- maggie davis

Paperback

Published January 1, 1994

About the author

Fifteen years ago, sparked by a trip I was moved to take, I co-founded a joyful non-501(C)3 band of neighbors, providing (in the thirteen towns on our downeast Maine peninsula) free, health-related assistance to those ill, dying, incapacitated, heartsick individuals who fall between the cracks of the health-care system. Neighborcare, we called it. (Do Google -- maggie davis Neighborcare -- and be in touch if you are moved to birth a similar program in your area. Neighborcare can bloom anywhere there are those with the heart for it. In these times, where so many are separated from loved ones -- and even the best caregiving resources must screech to the edge of their parameters -- Neighborcare celebrates a boundless extended-family vision.)

Caring in Remembered Ways is "food for the heart," and a companion to the Neighborcare vision. The book honors ways of caring the heart knows--deep-seeing ways that go beyond courtesy and kindness and empathy to the living compassion that embraces all the rest. It reminds us that true caring neither starts nor stops at the bedside, but extends to all life and is fitting for caregivers both lay and professional, including physicians, nurses, homecare providers, parents, teachers, clergy---all of us who want to nourish each other in ways we can feel. Ways of being as well as ways of caring weave throughout the book. Surely, who we are colors all we do and give.

Here is more "biography," but of spirit and heart and daily life. These days we hunger to know the essence of people, not merely the facts about them -- who they are, not just what they've done. So . . .

I live simply, though appreciate more-than-the-sum-of-its-parts beauty, in all forms. I enjoy being with people (either strangers or those known to me) who are joyful and kind and purposeful. Despite my education, I'm more of the heart than the intellect, yet ever curious, especially regarding history and "story." I appreciate good music of any kind and love playing pennywhistle ballads, either solo or duet.

I've lived full time on a working farm, on a house boat, in a cottage by the sea, and in two motor homes--now in one of the east coast's last working, struggling, fishing villages, which harbors many more lobster boats than yachts.

I enjoy living spontaneously; at the same time, i value order.

I appreciate solitary or companionable silence.

My children and grandchildren love me and I, them.

I delight in those who can laugh at themselves and would rather love than "be right."

I'm almost a vegetarian (mostly for animal rights reasons).

There are no gurus in my life. Anyone is capable of offering wisdom, I've found, including those who most would consider to be unlikely candidates.

I've taken responsibility for my own health for over thirty years (using herbs, homeopathy, my understanding of the healing properties of food, and much more) and work cooperatively with my physician whom I rarely see.

Years ago, I built a cabin in the woods. After clearing most of the thinnish woods with my bow saw, I dug old boards out of junk yards and bought windows and doors and stained glass from trucks and those taking down old beautiful houses (so many of which I thought deserved to be left standing), this after letting the feel of the land announce to me where my cabin might best be built.

I enjoy chess and pingpong and am pretty good at them. I like reading aloud and being read to, and spending lots of time with my rescue greyhound, Muse.

I love taking long walks. Sailing's great, though I'm not an expert. When I kayak, I prefer inland waters; years ago, in the Everglades, roseate spoonbills ten feet from me, on shore.

Ethnic food -- delicious!

Other pleasures: dancing. singing, watching dvds--everything from beautiful and inspiring movies (domestic or foreign) to gritty detective shows to Dogtown and The Dog Whisperer. Reading uplifting accounts of those who in huge or invisible ways change the world