The Days of Mawatani: The Boy Who Turned Himself Around

What happens when an event occurs that impacts a young boy to such an extent that it challenges all he has been taught, and interferes with who he hoped to become? Mawatani is a 12 year old Oglala Lakota boy at the turn of the 19th century. He has shown leadership skills all his life. His people see him as a future leader. On an outing with his father, disaster strikes. A lightning bolt strikes a tree, killing his father. Mawatani's leg is crushed by the falling tree. Each day during the next year, he becomes more of a cripple in his mind. A dramatic event happens, forcing Mawatani to respond in ways he thought no longer possible. With the help of his people, he begins to regain self confidence. His perspective of life is renewed and enhanced by the wisdom of a holy man, who helps him interpret his dreams and visions. He discovers gifts of which he was unaware. The story follows the times of enthusiasm and exhileration, and those of discouragement, frustration, and fear. This leads to Mawatani's vision quest and the message of who he is to become.