Free Republic

I regret to inform our FReeper family that BlackELk passed away from a combination of numerous chronic conditions and a head trauma. Black Elk passed away Sunday, January 22, 2017. Anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. Working and praying on behalf of the unborn and those who challenged the abortion industry was his life's vocation, as an attorney he represented and won the acquittal of over 700 pro-life rescuers. He wanted to be remembered for that. He GREATLY appreciated FReepers' prayers last time, and though he was comatose at the end, Mrs. Elk conveyed your prayers and wishes for him verbally....

Secular historians may snicker at early Christians who insisted Virgil’s Fourth Eclogue was a vision of the Messiah, but the case for interpreting Black Elk’s vision that way is not so easy to dismiss. Raymond DeMallie, founder and director of the American Indian Studies Research Institute, has delved into the transcripts of what Black Elk originally divulged to Neihardt. DeMallie’s definitive study shows the association with Jesus in this culminating passage to be unavoidable. Black Elk also said that the transfiguring figure he saw had “holes in the palms of his hands.” In addition, Black Elk flatly asserted to Neihardt,...

This evening I talked with Mrs. Elk. All good news. BlackElk is out of critical care, and is one step below ICU. The ventilator is off, he is breathing on his own. He is talking. In fat, he wouldn't shut up. (So what else is new?) Brain is all there. Feeding tube is gone. He will still need dialysis regularly, and will be in a nursing facility for a while. He may not have to get dialysis for the rest of his days, though. Thank you all for your kind words and prayers. I hope to talk with the antlered...

I just got off of the phone with Mrs. B. Elk. Update: 1. BlackElk's kidney is functioning ... not at full strength, but it is functioning 2. In general, much more stable 3. He is being S-L-O-W-L-Y brought back to consciousness. He did respond a little to the voice of his former law partner (who is no conservative!) He is not all the way awake yet. THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR PRAYERS AND KIND WORDS!

Many of you have offered your prayers and best wishes regarding BlackElk. Many also have asked for updates. Rather than pinging, I will simply include the word BlackElk to make searches easier. I do not intend to go into excessive detail, but will provide enough to let you know how he is doing. Update is below:

Many of you know BlackElk. He has had kidney failure, is in the hospital, on dialysis, is unconscious and is in danger of dying. Prayers for him, and his family are welcome. He has received Last Rites. I will keep you updated.

The U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search for two workers who have been missing since Friday's explosion on their oil and gas production platform off Louisiana's coast, the government said Saturday. Four other workers were in critical but stable condition after suffering large second- and third-degree burns.. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement said Saturday it has established a seven-member team to investigate the explosion and fire. "Witnesses will be interviewed, and documents containing the work procedures for the construction project will be reviewed,"

In Ages Past Black Elk: Lakota Holy Man, Catholic Catechist Black Elk's conversion was actually where he found true freedom and fulfillment as a healer and teacher. By Pat McNamara, May 02, 2011 In his book Black Elk Speaks, author John Neihardt interviewed a Lakota holy man who recounted pre-reservation life and events he witnessed, including Custer's Last Stand and the Wounded Knee massacre. Later, anthropologist Joseph Epes Brown interviewed Black Elk about Lakota religious traditions for his book The Sacred Pipe (1953). Both works are touched with a certain sadness, that of a man whose best days have...

Thanks to all freepers who told Black Elk to do his PT! Your words made all the difference. He's now close to being able to come home. Little Elk and I have made sure he has a clear path to the computer. We are very grateful for your prayers and encouragement. Wife of Black Elk

Black Elk is improving on most fronts and doing his PT, thanks to the exhortations of Freepers. (I don't think he would have listened to me about that.) He's getting feisty again, but he could still use prayers about a couple of lingering medical things. Thanks for giving a damn. Wife of Black Elk

Freeper Blackelk is back in the hospital. Something besides the foot is giving problems. It could be serious. Continued prayers requested.

I talked to the wife of Blackelk today. She tells me that he is scheduled to be out of the hospital on Monday. The infection did not spread. This is all good news.