Excerpt
Chapter 1

Morning was scarcely breaking through the cloud cover while the sun streaked on my feet tucked away in the comfortable sleeping bag. Slowly I began waking with a new outlook on my predicament. I quietly wondered how my scheduled first flight was proceeding. At the same moment, I turned my sights into the peaceful partially blue-covered sky and thought; here I am a part of the prominent Air Force flight team and never had the opportunity to actually fly.
Getting restless, I finally decided to get up. Folding my sleeping bag into a neat military roll became automatic. Within the peacefulness of the forest, I started a small fire for breakfast. This helped my composure, thus affecting a new attitude. I ate my morning food with no real hurry and enjoyed every bite. I broke down the fire like an experienced woodsperson. The rule was to always check and double check to make sure that all the embers were completely dead.
I had no clue what yesterday created, but I thought that today looked great for mountain climbing. With the sun finally moving into the open region, I selected a section of the mountain that had substantial character for my limited skills. This gave me a goal and a formidable challenge. Walking a distance, I spotted an ideal section. Approaching the rough terrain, I began heading up.
After reaching the first crest, I quickly realized what seemed acceptable from the ground, was now questionable. What looked to be only a small parcel of land went straight up for a long distance, then the trail changed direction. I had to move to the right side. It became interesting because I never saw anything like it. I slowly moved through until I felt comfortable.
Time within this region made the day go and before I realized, the sun was slowly playing hide and seek within the mountain ranges. I decided to look for a spot to bed down for the upcoming night. This became more difficult, but I managed to find a suitable terrain. Relaxing within this precious zenith of mankind’s land felt like something spiritually acceptable. Resting in my bedroll, I gazed at the dark-blue sky. In the distance, the sounds of nature became clear and had a soothing effect on me.
Slowly my heavy eyes relaxed into a restful position. A calm breeze moved in covering the local terrain. My mind was at peace with the knowledge that I must go back to the base. Tomorrow will be here soon enough. The slight breeze beckoned over the land. I finally fell into a deep sound sleep.

Breaking out of my sleep, I thought the morning in the forest region felt slightly different; the air was no longer clean and natural. The sun was blanketed with an unusual hue of gray. Something seemed out of place. Picking everything up quickly, I had time only to eat a roll.
I hit the trail in what I thought was the right direction to my car. With the sun cover, my walking became a little misdirected because the hazy appearance covered the vast territory. Suddenly I realized what the familiar smell was, burning wood, and with that my concern increased. Walking over a small ridge that overlooked the enormous area, I saw an extraordinary sight. A full-scale forest fire was in progress.
I saw a curtain of heavy smoke covering a vast area followed by numerous dancing flames. The fire tried to reach out for the sun. In fact, it wanted to act like its replacement. Turning around, I had no choice but to go deeper into the wild forest region. This looked like my only chance to escape the oncoming aggressive inferno.
The flames moved rapidly, jumping from tree to tree, more like they were running a foot race. Added to my fear was the fact that I did not know the area well enough to find an easy way out of danger. The safest bet was to start climbing a mountain range. My main thought was that I have to find distance between myself and the raging forest fire.
There was no time to think about the results. Using my experience about nature, plus my stamina, helped me overcome the difficulty of this situation. I skillfully climbed to a safe level, but for some reason I still felt trapped.
My best guess was it had to be around noon. My movement did not change the relationship between me and the moving fire. Reaching the crest of the mountain range gave me the visibility of what was coming right in my direction. It appeared that I was between winning and losing the battle by what appeared to be only feet. Looking around in panic, I spotted a flat area further down. Near the open field, I spotted a small lake. I quickly realized that might be my only chance for survival before the flames blocked any forward movement.
Slowly with a new concentrated drive, I began moving down the other side of the rock face. It felt like night was settling in. I could see the darkness approaching, but the oncoming flames reflected a lot of brightness. While flames danced freely, breathing became labored as the smoke increased.
Being on the move most of the day made me forget about eating. My training kicked in knowing that survival is now the main objective. Halfway down the mountain face, I felt a slight shift in the air stream. It appeared that the wind was blowing against the direction of the oncoming flames, but the fire continued moving toward my direction. It appeared like the speed was slowing and it was not as aggressive.
Reaching the flat section of the open terrain was a good sign. Entering into the heart of the open wilderness meant it would take longer to get out. Now my concern began to increase knowing that I would not get back to the base on time. Was my car safe? Other thoughts found their way into my thinking, but first I had to consider my safety.

As I approached the lake region, I felt more relaxed. Plus I also knew it was the best area based on the fire movement. Very few trees surrounded this small body of water. Moving closer to the lake, I found a small rock to sit on. Relaxing for the first time today felt refreshing. Taking out several pieces of dried food and another roll, I began eating slowly. I thought at least there is plenty of water if the fire approached closer. If all fails, jumping into the lake for safety would protect me.
I could not sleep during the night as the flames of light encircled the surrounding area near the lake. For the first time in my life, I felt helpless. I never remembered feeling so hot and uncomfortable. The night was extremely hard on me because breathing through the heavy smoke was not easy. I could not do anything about this invasive fire, but sit and watch. The cloud hung all over the area. It acted like a huge blanket hovering above the region.
Breathing became difficult because oxygen was consumed for the required combustion. Lying down on my stomach helped gather the remaining precious clean air from the ground surface. Rest was not easy under these conditions and sleep became difficult as I tossed and turned on the moist grass; my mind floated into youthful happy days.

Maine has the ability to consume part of nature’s unblemished environment. Adding to the isolation, the tranquility of the spirit raced through Nemissa’s mind. Breaking through the ambience, a car could be seen driving on a calm dirt road. The image cleared, while swirls of fine dust left a trail far behind. The great wilderness acknowledged its own paradise.
Viewing the massive pine-forest sections, wildlife remained wedged between nature’s homeland. The sheer size offered wild birds and animals equal space in the open territory. This peaceful setting remained untouched. Nemissa recalled moving down this path of natures’ creation.

As a twelve-year-old petite Native American, the one factor about the mind, it felt real. Lonely chickadees enhanced the vista by breaking out with a clear cry. The sound carried through the fresh clean air as I sat elevated in an enormous tree.
Waiting, watching as the wind influenced the surrounding branches, I carefully followed the flight of birds with my eyes as they circled and landed next to me. Some even rested on the branches below and above. There was no fear in my head because I accepted the fact that nature protects its own.
Unknown to me, my mother Josie stood waiting patiently under the branches below. “Nemissa, come down here this minute! You know climbing that high can be dangerous.” The magic spell was quickly broken.
“But Mom!”
“I’m still waiting Nemissa.”
“Alright, I’m coming.”
The fragrance from the surrounding pine trees lingered while my mother watched me carefully climb down. Once I hit the ground, I ran straight toward the log cabin. Getting closer, the aroma of cedar mixed in with the surrounding atmosphere added a touch of nature’s perfume. I slowed long enough to watch a circle of white smoke leaving our stone gray chimney.
I love this land. It offers peace and harmony with a calming influence that nature has declared precious. This kept passing through my active mind.
Running into the cabin, I stopped only a moment to address my father. “Hi Dad, I see you are cooking a great meal, the aroma even reached into the air outside,” before he could answer, I was in the security of my room.
“I can tell she is up to no good again. I am sure Josie will give me an earful. I better keep busy,” thought Otter.
My parents, Otter and Josie Blackbear, have been married for almost sixteen years. Otter enjoyed being a part-time chef when he was home. His thinking was basic, “Cooking and life are always in harmony.”
I kept busy in my room waiting for the fallout of my latest adventure. I love climbing up high, watching the wind and how it moves the clouds in and out of the blue sky.
Josie walked in, “You know we have to do something about our daughter.”
“You mean she was up in those trees again?”
“That’s right dear.”
“I will have a talk with her,” Otter was not too concerned as he opened the oven.
Josie settled down and started setting the table for supper. She enjoyed Otter’s help in the kitchen and said, “You are something, the meal smells great!”
“Dear, could you come here a minute and check the roast?”
“Let me see,” as she leaned over the wood burning stove.
She cut a small section of meat, “Not bad, slightly pink, the way we like it. You can take it out; let it cool on top of the stove for about fifteen minutes. This will allow the juices to settle, making it easier to cut.”
Walking back, she finished setting the table.
After taking the roast out, Otter checked the boiling potatoes, “The potatoes are almost ready.”
Leaving the stove area, “Dear, have you seen the evening paper?”
“No, it must be outside or maybe Nemissa has it.”
Walking closer to her room, “Nemissa, did you see today’s newspaper when you came in?”
“No Dad, but I didn’t look.”
“Well, then it must be on the porch,” talking to himself.
Walking to the front door, he opened it and spotted the paper rolled up in the corner. Picking it up, he went back into the living room. Sitting down he began reading the headlines and stopped, “Did we get any mail today dear?”
“Yes, but it was all for Nemissa.”
“Oh, what did she get this time?”
“Just some literature she sent for.”
“She sure gets a lot of mail.” He heard the potatoes boiling over. Quickly putting down the paper, he started to get up, but Josie beat him to it.
“I got it dear, relax, finish the paper.”
“Thanks.”
The aroma penetrated throughout the house before supper was actually ready. Once the table was set, Josie called, “Come and get it while it’s still hot.”
Sitting down together was an established family tradition.
“I heard you were busy climbing those trees again,” Dad began his routine of questioning.
“True, but I was only checking on the wind current today. With those white puffy clouds . . . well, it made the airstreams act in a different way.”
“You know, we don’t want you getting hurt because the wind at that altitude can be highly unpredictable.”
“I know.”
“Other than that, how are things going at school?”
“No problems, the coach wants me to join the track team.”
“Would you like to be a part of the team?”
“Yes, but I have not made any decision.”
“Why is that?” Mom stepped in.
“It takes extra driving back and forth to the meets. This activity would require driving on off hours and . . .”
“Look, Nemissa if the trips are not too far or too often, I wouldn’t mind,” Dad broke in.
“You really would not have problems driving me all over the place?”
“No.”
“When do you have to give your answer?” Mom asked.
“Mom I have time, till sometimes next week.”
They continued talking about it during the better part of the meal. Mom asked, “Has everyone finished?”
“Yes!” We both answered and kept talking.
“Dad, knowing you wouldn’t mind driving will help me decide. Thanks.”
Sitting in the tranquil family atmosphere reassured the comfort of our family unit. Normally I would help with the clean up, but today Mom saw I was deep in thought.
“Nemissa, would you mind if Dad and I cleaned up?”
My eyes opened up wide, instantly coming back, “No, in fact I wanted to go for a walk. Thanks, Mom.”

After she left, Josie said, “You know, she should get involved with some outside activities. It would be great if she became a part of the school activities.”
“I know she can benefit from that, but at the same time, we can’t influence her by our thoughts.”
“You’re right, like always. Using her energy is a plus. Every youth has plenty to spare. Plus devoting time in a new direction will foster spiritual and physical growth.”
“I know she is always by herself.”
“That’s the point, this might be a way of breaking her out of that routine.”
“We still have to allow her to think for herself.”
“Come on, give me a hand with this mess.”
“Who me?”
“Yes, cook, you made a mess, now it’s time to pay.”
“All right.”
Walking over to the sink, they washed and dried the dishes. When the kitchen looked clean, “How about a walk dear? Maybe we can find the moon?” Otter asked.
“You never finished your paper.”
“That can wait.”
“I do declare a night out.”
“Come on, before I change my mind.”
You felt the happiness they have for each other. Both have love deep within their hearts. They walked hand in hand down the path, enjoying the fresh air the night delivered.
Josie said, “The darkness gives a magical sense of togetherness.”
“True, even the moon is reflecting on our shoulders. You know the nights are getting cooler, but yet this is our paradise.”
“Trenton, New Jersey had nothing like this.”
“I remember how we first met at the local USO dance in Atlantic City.”
“Yes, seventeen years ago, we literally bumped into each other while getting punch.
“It seems like yesterday. I was on leave and needed some relaxation.”
“A bunch of girls wanted to go dancing and visiting the USO was my first time.”
“You never told me about that.”
“True, but the next day we spent time together sightseeing, and after a while, as I remember, we established a deep friendship.”
“Yes we did. I was discharged from the Army the following year; in fact, it was one week before we were married.”
“You remembered!”
“How can I forget the love of my life?”
“Sweet, moving to Maine was totality unexpected, but a great experience.”
“After a brief honeymoon, we settled on a farm with my family.”
“It sure was different, but I learned what it was like living in this part of the country. The hardest time I had was leaving my family and friends.”
“Getting a job after the service was not easy.”
“True, your father got you a job with the Bath Iron Works, building ships. What would we have done without his help?”
“There was little choice. Starting at the bottom was not easy. The good part was that I was able to learn a new trade. The problem was after the war years, demand for ships decreased. This forced a slowdown in the shipbuilding industry. Being a family man added the pressure of responsibility.”
“You were forced to travel all over the state searching for a possible occupation. I remember one day while visiting Augusta, your luck turned. A friend of your father’s was looking for some help. He was a contractor in the middle of the upswing in the housing boom. This gave you a chance to switch your boat building skills to carpentry.”
“I started by repairing and remodeling older homes. When a new housing development needed a carpenter, grabbing this opportunity turned out to be a break. It became a year-round position. The problem with traveling continued.”
“Remember the daily wait, the high expectations I had for you to come home safely.”
“Yes I do, and after supper we would always go out for a drive.”
“This became our daily routine.”
“On one of those drives, we followed the directions a friend had given me about a place that was for sale. It was near the mountains.”
“Yes, remember how excited we both were. Following the directions came after we covered our normal routine. So on the way back, we passed a road we must have missed many times before.”
“You pointed to the narrow opening and asked if we ever checked out the dirt road?”
I said, “you know, I do not remember. It winds into the woods, why not check it out.” Heading down the road, we went around the bend. Far off in the distance, the dense forest growth created a solid green line. This formed a huge backdrop of what nature had to offer. We diverted from our way home to explore the woods and ended up viewing this breathtaking scenery. A superior variety of different trees shared mother earth’s rich soil.
“We admired what was there and knew immediately this was our paradise.”
“Yes, our expectations were satisfied beyond the wildest dreams.”
“Sitting there with a smile, we had no reason to go any further.”
“Turning around right then and there, we headed into town.”
“Luck was with us that day because this track of land was available for a reasonable price.”
“We made the best deal in our lives. It wasn’t like anyplace we would ever find in New Jersey.”
“True, even though we had some good times there before we got married.”
“Is it getting cold out here?” Josie broke the spell.
“Not that bad, we have each other.”
“For our future dreamland, we worked many hours clearing the woods,” smiling, Josie snuggled closer to Otter.
“Working with mutual sharing increased our union of devotion.”
“Yes, we never regretted our decision. This location of love ended up being our serenity.”
“Remember the spring of 1934,” Josie asked as they walked back toward the log cabin.
“How can I ever forget that time, our beautiful daughter was born.”
“It was a difficult choice for both of us, but we mutually decided to have only one child.”
“I often reflected on living with numerous brothers and sisters and how much I learned during my early childhood. My outlook on life was somewhat complicated by this consideration. Living in Maine was different since I was a Native American of the Algonquin tribe. My family moved around to many parts of the state.”
She added, “Living in the wilderness of Maine gave me that opportunity to learn what our nation represented. In that respect, I considered life here genuinely exciting. Living with your ancestors was a proud experience. The art of exploring the wilderness furthered my culture. After all these years I understand that feeling. Not to say everything was always easy, we had good and bad times. I guess it was nothing like my early life in New Jersey,” Josie could not stop smiling.
“We lived through the great depression era which left an impression on us. What would the future bring in such hard times? That was always our concern.”
“I remember when the war added more pressures on everyone’s life in the country.”
“Having experienced service life, I wanted to become a part of that fight for freedom. But first I had the responsibility for my family.”
Taking a break, Josie whispered, “Well our night out is over. It is getting too cold out here so we better head in.”
“You are right.”
“Love has made our life worthwhile,” Otter added as they walked hand in hand toward their cozy dwelling.
“You are such a sweet caring man.”