LEZLIE FELICIA HENDERSON (WAHBIGOONI) (BLOSSOMING FLOWER)

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LEZLIE FELICIA HENDERSON (WAHBIGOONI) (BLOSSOMING FLOWER) Lezlie Felicia Henderson Wahbigooni (Blossoming Flower) began her journey to the spirit world at 9:48 a.m. on April 18, 2008, with her mother Adrienne, step-father Peter, sister Carrie and brother Joshua by her side. She was born on December 21, 1983, and though she was afflicted with a serious and limiting condition her entire life, she was a remarkable and beautiful spirit. She could not talk, but her eyes spoke volumes. They sparkled when she was happy and frowned only when you tried to take one of her beloved french fries. It was the one thing in her life she did not willingly share. She loved to touch and tease and if you weren't listening to her, she could dismiss you with the look . When her muscles failed and she could no longer dance, she still loved to hear the sound of the drum. Wahbigooni was a member of the Eagle Clan and a 1st degree Midewiwin of the Three Fires Lodge. She loved going to ceremonies and being at Lodge gatherings where she had many friends and admirers. She was an inspiring force. The occasion when she rose from her wheelchair to dance the song she shared with her lodge sister, Nancy, is still recalled when the Midewiwin gather. In her time with us, she brought an important message to the Midewiwin, which changed the way traditional ceremonies are now done. Wahbigooni spent her last years at the St. Amant Centre where she shared her time with the residents and staff of 3 East. The family is grateful for the love and care they showed to their daughter while she lived there, and the support they gave during her final weeks. The family would also like to thank the I.C.U. staff of the Victoria General Hospital for the respectful, compassionate and outstanding care they provided with special thanks to Dr. Patty Griffin, Dr. Vince Taraska, and Lezlie's nurses: Linda, Debbie, Judy, Diane, Jonathan, Alexis and Jean. Her spirit journey ceremony has begun. The fire has been lit and will last four days with prayer, song and ceremony throughout each day. The first feast will be Saturday, April 20, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. Her life will be celebrated each evening with a final feast on Monday, April 21, 2008 at 12:00 noon, at the Roseau River First Nation Community Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Amant Center Unit 3 East in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 20, 2008