Grandmother Cedar

A long time ago there was a tall and strong Grandma Cedar Tree. One day, a little tree, who was her grandson, began to grow next to her. She happily watched him grow and grow. She also was able to protect him from the wind, the hot summer sun, and the hungry deer. When he was lonely, she called the birds to his branches to keep him company. So he grew healthy and strong until he was bigger than his grandma. 

Grandma was getting very old, and she needed protection and care. Grandson Cedar was able to protect Grandmother from the strong wind, the hot sun, and the hungry deer. He was also able to call the birds to her branches when she missed her old tree friends. One day she said, “Grandson, don’t worry about me. I am old now. Take care of yourself. Do not worry about me anymore.”But he said, “Grandma, when I was little you protected me from the strong wind, the summer’s hot sun, and the hungry deer. And when I was lonely, you called the birds to me so I would have company. Grandma, you did all these things for me, and now I will do them for you.” And so, Grandson Cedar Tree took care of his beloved Grandmother Cedar Tree.

- An abbreviated Coast Salish story from Lower Elwha Klallam storyteller Roger Fernandes