Peter Crane Mountain Goat

As he looked around, Peter felt a powerful presence and his voice burst out from within. "I have an important announcement." He paused. All goats looked directly at him. Peter paused and made eye contact with each. "The time has come for us to move to Snowmass Mountain, where our herd can be safe. I had a dream. In my dream, I led us to Snowmass Mountain." Albert Whitehead stepped forward. "It is your calling, son. This journey will be long and treacherous, and you must be ready for this undertaking. I and your other elders will help you prepare for this journey." The entire herd circled around Peter while looking at Albert, listening intently. Peter stepped forward into the center of the circle. "Our journey will be challenging and perilous. We will carry on the torch of our ancestors and be the herd of mountain goats to survive against all odds. I promise to defend and protect our herd." Peter spoke confidently and effortlessly, as if all the wisdom and fierceness of ancient mountain goats had been activated within him. He graciously accepted the guidance of Albert Whithead, the sage leader of their herd, and the other elders. There were whispers amongst the group. Jade Dyer stepped forward and volunteered to stand behind Peter. She wanted to be a warrior in training by his side. Jeremy Dawson spoke up and followed Jade into the center and stood to Peter's left, both standing on either side of Peter. Cynthia Armstrong was next, then Robert Rhodes, George Dawkins, and Janet Caldwell. Lilly Dixon stepped into the circle next. Jeremy moved over, and Lilly positioned herself, standing immediately to Peter's left. Peter looked into Lilly's eyes, and his jaws quivered. He felt weak. Fear flooded his gut! Peter realized he would do anything to protect Lilly from harm. Feeling vulnerable, Peter melted into Lilly's eyes, and the realization set in that by exposing himself to death, yet again, he was discovering that place within himself that was indestructible, that place where one became familiar with courage and a call to action. In this space, Peter felt one with his entire herd, where their pain and struggle became his call to courage. In the days to come, Peter connected with this feeling of tenderness, the state of not knowing, a kind of groundlessness that ultimately tested his strength and propelled him forward in life. Peter felt his heart awakening to the nature of knowing and unknowing that is essential to life as a mountain goat. Albert Whitehead, Gilbert Swanson, and Edward Moseley stepped into the circle, the three of them looking at the new warriors who were going to lead the herd to Snowmass Mountain. Albert spoke up. "It is a great honor to prepare you for this journey. You are the warriors chosen by our ancestors to lead the great path, to climb like no other mountain goat and to ensure our safety and survival. We will begin training here tomorrow." The next morning, before daybreak, the mountain goats were up and waiting for the elders as they had been commanded by Albert Whitehead. They learned that Snowmass Mountain cliffs were very steep, and many mountain goats had died trying to climb them. This journey would require strength, determination, resilience, and finesse. The mountain goats would need foresight to determine when and where to rest. It was imperative that each member of the herd was safe and accounted for. In the months that followed, they spent their days mastering their climbing and charging skills. They learned how to camouflage themselves and how to defend the younger kids. At night, the entire herd watched as Albert and Peter sat across from each other and Albert shared his years of wisdom with Peter. Peter asked many questions, some of which were not answered and many of which were met with a response by Albert of "you will discover this within yourself" as Albert taught Peter to look within himself for answers. The herd settled in and rested over the winter months. Spring brought hope as the mountain goats resumed their training and the sage goats helped the warriors practice charging skills one by one to perfection. All the mountain goats became more proficient in survival techniques by the end of summer. The herd became closer to each other. Their excitement heightened since they knew that their hard work and determination would allow them to travel down Mount Sopris and move to Snowmass Mountain with the ability to defend and protect the vulnerable members of the herd. Their hearts stirred with excitement about the trek to new territory. They often looked over at Snowmass and whispered among themselves as their imaginations ran wild, like the wildflowers that swayed in the wind. "It's so majestic over at Snowmass," Calvin observed. "I bet there is more space to run and play!" exclaimed Jade. The two kids were excited to have more of everything.