Dana Lone Hill
Life taught me to make the most of what I have
By Dana Lone Hill Many times we go through life knowing there are two types of people. There are those that have and those that have not. Sometimes, we think we have a clear definition of who fits in these two categories. When I was in college in St. Paul, Minnesota I thought I had a clear definition after my first art class. I was already an older than the average student and when given a list of supplies we need for our class, I looked down at the list and saw dollar signs to dollars I didn’t have. Other students were already planning trips to the art supply store to shop together with their parent’s platinum cards. I waited until class was over and asked the teacher, at minimum, how much will this cost? Around two hundred dollars she said. I left the class bummed out but determined. I began spinning wheels as soon as I walked out the door. If I get this much beadwork done, I might only miss two classes. By the time I arrived at home after my bus ride, I had a plan. I called a friend I knew and asked him to invest in me. Loan me the money and I will paint you whatever painting you want. He sent the picture of the painting he wanted and loaned me the money. I missed one class, but made up for it and went on. One of these days, I thought. I would not be in the category of “have not” anymore. Sad to say, I didn’t finish college that time. I battled the state long and hard over daycare until I finally walked away. I never let the fact that I walked away stop me from achieving some of the dreams I do have. Like finding my long lost brother after 21 years or being published on an international level. The other day I had a clear epiphany of my “haves” while I was on the phone with an editor at a publishing house. We were talking about memoirs. She was explaining to me why she likes to read other people’s memoirs. “You see, I have had a very privileged life.” She said, almost as if she was apologetic. I felt as if she were apologizing to me because I was from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and it has been on the media radar more than a hundred times for its extreme poverty in America. “I grew up with a very sheltered life in Montana, moved to this state here for college, upon graduation I stayed and have the most wonderful job ever. I couldn’t ask for a better life.” She went on to further explain. I was nodding my head on the phone as if she could see me. I almost interrupted her but I was raised better than that. “Well, I grew up privileged too,” I told her. “You see, I may not have the ability to travel when I want, or have the possessions I want, or have the money to enjoy life the same way you do, but my privileged life has taught me to make the most of what I do have. I have learned to overcome any fear I have, any obstacle in my way and to learn from hard times. I do know what it is like to struggle but I also know how to get through that struggle without letting it get to my spirit. Being Lakota has given me a life of many privileges; the privilege to rely on my family, we have huge extended families, to rely on my very deep spiritual beliefs, the privilege of our Indian sense of humor to make light of any situation, the privilege to hustle and find a way to make things work, and the privilege of the belief that my ancestors are behind me every step of the way. My privileges are different than yours. They cannot be dusted off, handed down in a will, or cashed in. The privilege of being Lakota in this lifetime is one I am thankful for everyday because if I wasn’t a Lakota, I don’t know how I would have handled some of the hard times I did face, or to give thanks for the good times or achieve some of my dreams.” She thanked me for showing her a new way of looking at life, in turn I was showing myself, like I did that day hustling to get paint supplies for class, exactly what privileges life handed me. There is no other life I would want except the one I am blessed with now as a Lakota. Besides, how else would I know how to sell a pair of earrings just in time to buy supper? Dana Lone Hill is an enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe and was born and raised on the Pine Ridge Reservation. She currently lives in Sioux Falls, SD where she is self-employed as an artist and freelance writer and can be reached at dana.lonehill@gmail.com. Copyright permission by Native Sun News
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