At the Mountain’s Base

At the base of a mountain, under a hickory tree, a cabin holds a Cherokee family… except for one person. She is a pilot, flying for the military far away. Her family at home worries about her, but they draw strength from their traditions. The pilot does the same, praying for peace that will let her go home to the cabin at the mountain’s base where her family will welcome her with open arms. Inspired by Native American service members like WWII pilot Ola Mildred “Millie” Rexroat — and with an author’s note that reminds readers that Native women have served in the U.S. Armed Forces “at proportionately higher rates than all other Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard Servicemembers,” this is a tribute to how the bonds of family can sustain us through almost any trial.