Awakening The Children of Light

Chapter 1 - A Choice Gift of Love

At the first hour of the twenty-second day of the seventh month, in the year of Celestial Blessings, a wonderful opportunity was laid on the doorstep of the grand old Sephirtree mansion.

Papajah woke up, intuitively knowing he must go downstairs, open the front door, and look. He awakened his wife Amaralim, who never questioned his intuitions, and together they tiptoed down the stairs to the first floor and opened the door. The sun sat on the horizon, a few brilliant rays shining light onto the porch. There in this radiance was a large wicker basket holding a baby wrapped in a soft blue quilt of cloud-like material. The baby beamed at them, smiling and cooing the primal infant sounds of Mother Nature.

Awestruck, the two elders gazed in wonder at the beautiful child, its golden curls catching the sunlight and its sky-blue eyes sparkling up at them with delight.

Goodness, murmured Amaralim, let’s not stand here just gaping. She reached into the basket and took the blue and gold bundle into her arms, carrying it into the house. Papajah picked up the empty basket and followed her in. It was as he set it down inside the hall that he noticed a large envelope in the bottom of the basket. As he took it up, a subtle thrill passed through his being. From the envelope bordered in gold, he drew a white paper, unfolded it, and read:

"Please accept this Choice Gift of Love and cherish him in your deepest hearts as the son of the Most High. He will bring you unlimited treasures as you give to him of yours. Your family has been honored as the best for his care and upbringing in this world of movement and measure, time and space. Eventually he will find the way leading home to his Source after your guidance has shown him the path. If you follow him, you will also be welcome. Enclosed you will find a checkbook from the Bank of Universal Supply. Use it for whatever is needed for his and your sustenance, expansion, and hearts’ delight. Amaralim is the co-signer with him until he is mature enough to sign himself.

He has a name and names. You will name him yourselves, changing it from time To time. He will discover his true name when he comes home.

Blessings upon your household for accepting him into your lives, your hearts, and your paths. We are ever with you in the Silence of the Central Core of All Being. Come within to this Core when you want assurance or guidance or to give thanks.

In Everlasting Peace and Love,

Neschamah, the Source

Well, this explains things, at least to some degree, however, it creates as many questions as it answers, Papajah said as he waved the message toward Amaralim, who was sitting on the couch gazing at the little one.

Oh, she said, looking up, what does it say? Read it to me. Just as he started reading, Hodie came into the room.

Why are you folks down here at this hour? And then he saw. Where did the baby come from? the young man asked.

Papajah handed him the explanatory note saying We just found him on our doorstep. Read this to Amah as well as yourself. It was in the bottom of the basket under the baby.

As she started reading, Victoriah, his older sister, came down from her room, asking the same question as Hodie, who gestured for her to keep quiet and listen while he read. All eyes were on the cherub, who quietly listened also. Silence followed the reading as they each looked from one to the other, wondering. Papajah handed Amaralim the checkbook, which she put in the pocket of her robe.

Hodie gave the gold-edged message back to Papajah and broke the silence saying, Well, folks, it looks like we have a new member of the family. What shall we name him? Names and words were his thing. He walked over to the couch, knelt down next to Amaralim holding the baby, and took one of the infant’s hands in his. The tiny fingers curled over one of Hodie’s big ones. Hi ya’ little one. You sure are pretty. The baby kicked and smiled.

They all gathered around. Victoriah was too awe-stricken to say a word, though she was bursting with thoughts, feelings, and questions.

I know, Hodie said, that’s what I’ll call you for now! Hyah spelled with an h on the end. I’ll look up the numerology to see what it means.

Hodie, what kind of a name is that for a beautiful child like this? Amaralim chided.

The baby looked right at Hodie and spoke some magical word.

Well, he seems to think it’s OK, said Hodie, laughing. We can think of a better name later when we see more of what he’s going to be – it’s what the Native Americans do.

No one argued, so Hyah became the child’s name – the first of many.

Victoriah quietly sat down on the couch next to her mother and ran her fingers with a caress down the side of the baby’s rose-petal soft face. Can we really keep him, Amah? she asked.

Well, I don’t know what else we can do. Can’t give him back to the porch, can we? the older woman said with a twinkle in her eye. Does anyone want to give him away?

All of them shook their heads.

Please, Amah, may I hold him? Victoria asked.

Amaralim gently laid the child in the girl’s arms.

So lovely! The two together – such an idyllic scene of virgin and child – that the other three felt a hush swell deeply over them as they gazed, enraptured. Victoriah began singing softly to the little one as she rose and then gently waltzed in a close circle.

"Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful is who you are.

Sparkling with angel dust,

Shining as the Morning Star.

Softly now I hear the Angels say,

Love and glory have come to stay.

Beautiful, One-derful,

Is this child you’ve found today?"

Victoria, still humming the melody, looked lovingly into the baby’s sky-blue eyes with her radiant green ones and said, Hi ya’, little Hyah. We’re going to have such fun together, singing and playing with all the enchanting things in this wonderful world. I’ll teach you art and music; how to sing and to play the little harp. And we’ll dance through spring meadows filled with bright new flowers. She whirled around. Oh, we’ll have such a grand time!

Hodie came close and gently poked his forefinger in Hyah’s tummy."

Don’t worry, kid. She won’t have you all the time. I’m going to teach you the important things, like how to communicate, to have fun with word games, and how to use my computer to get all the info you could ever want on any subject. And we’ll do some magic and all sorts of amusing things, too. I’ll show you how to have fun with all the jokers you run into in this old world. We’ll lighten things up a little. Hyah smiled and gurgled.

Well, Amaralim said, while you two are planning a delightful future for him, I will work on his survival in the present. It surely won’t be long before that little one will be asking loudly for something to put in his empty tummy. Since we don’t ever have milk, something has to be found for him soon. And then there is the need for some diapers, too.

Hodie thought for a moment and said, I’ll go to the store right away and get some diapers. Better get a big carton, a dozen dozen, to last awhile. Do you think I can find something for Hyah to eat there?

Amaralim was cogitating and suddenly brightened.

No, I have an idea that I think will solve several problems. Go ahead to the store right away, Hodie – after you dress, of course. Besides diapers, get a few bottles and nipples for juice and water, she stood up, but for milk, I am going to ask Olivia Sandalwood if she would like to nurse Hyah.

Good idea, said Hodie, and was gone.

Oh yes, Victoriah agreed. She looks as though she has milk enough for another baby besides hers. And she is so lovely.

Yes, and I think she might appreciate a little extra income, Amaralim said as she took the checkbook from her robe and started up the stairs. I’ll get dressed right away and go now. The rest of you can wait for breakfast or fix your own for now. Victoriah, you can manage the child till I return, can’t you?

With pleasure, Victoriah said as she danced with the baby bundle up to her room.

Papajah stood there alone. All the to-do, and he had said nothing. But he smiled as he, too, went to get dressed for the day. He had the gold-bordered letter and the basket, and the knowledge of where it was from. He would tell Kyel and Geb all about this change in their lives as soon as they were up. Grandpa Tron already knew of course – there was nothing that escaped him. And at the perfect moment in time he, the head of the Sephirtree family, would give the letter to the child who would then be the man.

Chapter 2 ~ First Steps

In a town the size of Rose Valley almost everyone knew everyone, at least to some degree, and usually quite pleasantly so. A discreet recognition of social strata did exist, but without any downgrading or discrimination. This way of life allowed the residents to live in exceptional harmony, as each was accepted for whatever gifts he or she had to offer.

Olivia Sandalwood had been born on the opposite end of town from the illustrious Sephirtree family, but by lineage she was a member of their clan. The years had blurred the line in some way. She and her mother now lived in the middle strata of the town’s social order, dwelling in that part of Rose Valley where those of moderate income lived. Nevertheless, Olivia and her mother were treated by all as having superior qualities because of their serene beauty and gentle devotion to everyone and everything in need. The older woman, Doe Sandalwood, had been the town’s favorite grade school teacher. Olivia had a natural gift for healing and also a true green thumb so that the humble abode of these two women was a miniature arboretum. In the garage adjacent to the house Olivia nursed small animals, wild or domestic, who needed care. The children of the village loved both mother and daughter, but they came to Olivia more readily. Younger and not a teacher, she seemed more accessible. The boys and girls came for everything from a scraped knee or an ailing pet, to a story and one of her super oatmeal cookies.

Almost a year before this day, on a beautiful Monday morning, a mysterious, handsome, foreign gentleman had come to Rose Valley. He seemed to have some equally mysterious business with the elusive and unfathomable eldest member of the Sephirtree family, Grandpa Tron. No one ever knew what Tron did in his attic penthouse; he remained in seclusion most of the time. Therefore, it seemed somewhat appropriate, yet unaccountable, when this stranger intimated he had business with the patriarch of the Sephirtree family.

Even more curious to the villagers was what happened when the visitor left the Sephirtree mansion. He headed straight for the Sandalwood home across town at the other end of Central, knocked on the door, was graciously admitted, and stayed for a week.

The following Monday Olivia announced to everyone that she had become betrothed to this handsome foreigner and was leaving with him to be married upon their arrival in his distant homeland.

Jaws dropped. The children heard but could not believe she would leave them. How could their beloved Olivia disappear from their midst so suddenly? Strangely, her mother seemed unperturbed even though she would be alone in carrying the responsibility of maintaining the home, the plants, and the animals.

That was a year ago. Now Olivia had returned – with a tiny baby girl, and no explanations. Her countenance gave the only indication: a quiet confirmation that she was happy to be home. She did not seem to have been rejected. Her exquisite infant daughter was well cared for, with all basic needs provided. The back-fence gossips in the town were exceedingly puzzled and moved to outrageous conjecture, each endeavoring to outdo the others with the most imaginative explanation. None had heard from Olivia since she left except her mother, and Doe had never spoken of her daughter while she was gone. So speculation became exaggerated in the absence of truth.

Into this scene stepped Amaralim Sephirtree in her quest for a wet nurse for the amazing new arrival in her household that morning. She walked straight down Central, through the park, and on to Olivia’s home, knocked on the door, and was quickly admitted. Fifteen minutes later, the two women walked together back up the tree-lined avenue that ran between their two abodes, the humble one at the foot of the road and mansion at the upper end.

In a very short time the town was abuzz with this new development. Another new baby! And entering their domain even more mysteriously than Olivia’s child! Questions, questions, questions – and no answers.

~

Olivia soon came to love little Hyah like her own. It seemed as though he were a twin to her Dianna, for they appeared to have been born within weeks of each other. Olivia frequently brought her daughter with her when she came three times a day to nurse Hyah. The Sephirtrees also came to love Olivia and her baby girls as family. The once blurred family line was now restored.

Little Dianna was a child of delicate beauty with unusually thick, dark, wavy hair – quite long for a new baby. Her large violet eyes touched the soul of everyone who looked into their quiet shining depths with a subtle sense of sadness and wonder about the true meaning of Life. How different they were from Hyah’s sky-blue eyes which always danced with radiant sparks of delight and the pure, simple joy of being. One look into his eyes lifted one’s spirit into a vibration of Joy, of Peace, and of Trust in the Source of All Life.

The two children seemed to complement each other’s natures perfectly, which engendered deep harmony between them as they grew. It was always Hyah who instigated a development such as sitting, crawling, or throwing a ball. By following his example, Dianna soon mirrored his added skill. Then they would share the new experience with a grand sense of adventure and delight in its discovery.

As the first months passed, the two babies were soon laughing and kicking and reaching out to touch each other. What a happy period it was for all. The whole family melded into a united consciousness once again, much like the years when the children of Amah and Papajah were young and growing, but now with the addition of Hyah, Olivia, and Dianna.

Everyone enjoyed the new baby life, even rugged Geb, who always seemed to be dashing from one project to the next. Big, kindly Kyel adored the little ones, but was hesitant to hold one because he felt inadequate to the task of dealing with such tiny human beings. Amaralim took the greatest responsibility for Hyah’s care, but Victoriah helped a great deal in between her art and music teaching engagements. Hodie helped as chief errand runner and primary marketing engineer. His computer job, which he could do at home, allowed him the freedom to be flexible with his time. He loved playing with Hyah and Dianna, too, and very soon established some kind of communication with the babies – much to the amazement of the others.

Papajah simply watched – and beamed his light upon the whole family whenever he was present. His inventions kept him busy in his fourth floor laboratory most of the time.

Grandpa Tron almost never came down from his attic apartment, yet everyone in the house telepathically experienced his presence up there, even visitors. At least once a week each member of the family paid him a visit in his wondrous penthouse roofed with skylights. If there was a problem, a visit there brought the answer; if no problem, the blessing was bestowed, fulfilling the highest purpose of the meeting.

Early each morning Amaralim carried Hyah up to see Grandpa Tron for a few minutes so as to establish the bond of love and blessing between them. She intended to bring Hyah, so sensitive and impressionable at this most receptive time in life, into contact with the grandfather’s vibration of unfathomable, unconditional Love. He was Source of them all and key to the future that would fulfill the Divine Plan. Hyah’s response to Tron was always one of pure delight. The child’s joy gave as much to Grandpa as the old patriarch’s presence gave to the young one.

The Sephirtree clan had always appeared somewhat enigmatic to the people of Rose Valley, yet the Sephirtrees were dearly loved and highly respected as a special and prestigious element in the town’s society. The family home, built in the forgotten past, sat on the edge of town at the foot of The Crown, a 7,000-foot mountain whose crest displayed twelve tall pines growing in a circular cluster around one exceptionally magnificent, ancient pine. These trees grew from the white, rocky soil that existed above the 4,000-foot elevation; therefore, their contrast to the lower trees was spectacular to those who had been to the top. Thus the mountain was named The Crown.

A feeling of sanctity had always surrounded this unusual mountain. A few hardy, determined souls had, through the years, climbed the mountain’s precipitous trail to the top as a spiritual quest. It was reported that spending ten days in meditation in this Sacred Grove of thirteen trees opened a person’s heart and mind to an expanded state of awareness. Those who achieved it were liberated from the limitations of Time and Space. They moved into a consciousness beyond the usual human understanding of life; upon descending and returning to society they became miracle-workers, seers, sages, and shamans.

The Sephirtree home was always referred to as the Mansion. Yet even that appellation could not really articulate the uniqueness of this dwelling, so completely different was it from any ever built in that part of the country. This magnificent house was a four-story edifice with basement and attic – or penthouse as it was usually called. The house appeared to be constructed in three massive, connected pillars, which were actually a large, round, domed central hall and entry way, flanked by two larger octagonal wings on either side. From inside, the hall bore the appearance of a very large well, open from the first floor to the fourth. A circular stairway wound around the wall, coming to a landing at each floor’s balcony.

When one entered the Mansion, one sensed the space as expansive wellbeing. It was not only the height of the circular hall, but also that both wings opened into the hall, its massive doors usually open. The right wing living room was spacious. It served as a gathering place for family and visitors, but also as a music room. It was here that Victoriah and Hodie often put on musicals and magic shows for family and friends. An elegant grand piano filled one corner. Master paintings hung on the walls. Two of the paintings were Victoriah’s. All were displayed with an artist’s eye for uncluttered simplicity.

The shallow alcove at the far end of the room attracted immediate attention, for here was what appeared to be a kind of altar. Within its framework a scroll two feet in height and eight inches wide hung on the rear wall to one side of a small, black lacquered table. Upon this table rested a charming flower arrangement that was renewed daily. The scroll, written in flowing calligraphy, poetically depicted the subtle, essential message of the present month and season.

Comfortable, contemporary furnishings, attractive and solid, mirrored a large, energetic family with several young people.

The left wing off the rotunda was divided between a large dining room on the front and a big kitchen and breakfast room behind. The back door opened to a vegetable garden enclosed by a fence. In back of the whole house lay the farm, a barn, and an orchard of several kinds of fruit and nut trees. A natural fence composed of a rosebush hedge surrounded the five-acre farm. A gate at the back opened to a trail that followed a brook and led on into the forested hills and the Crown.

As one entered the front door of the Mansion, the visitor saw not only the large openings into right and left wings, but also that straight ahead there were three steps leading to French doors. These opened into a half-moon shaped sunroom, one of the most enjoyable, intimate places in the house. Although windows formed the outer wall, this beautiful room felt cozy and warm with the homey wicker furniture surrounded by potted plants and small, contained trees.

This was the room chosen for Olivia to use while nursing Hyah. Here the two babies played, learned to sit up, crawled on the grass-like carpeting, and napped. As Hyah began to walk, each step was accompanied by enthusiastic yelps of delight. He was no longer earthbound! Dianna was still pulling herself up on the furniture, only to sit with a thump when she let go. Then they would both laugh as though everything they did was hilarious fun. They romped and played, then napped, snuggling together midst the plants and small trees.

It was a happy time. Olivia and Dianna were a part of the family now. Even the possibility of them moving into the Mansion had been proposed and more or less accepted by the family. It was Olivia who was not yet altogether certain she wanted to give up her own little place, even though she spent more than half of each day with them.

One day as she pondered the idea of living there, quietly reflecting upon the idyllic life they had all shared for nearly a year, a sudden loud knock on her front door shattered her reverie completely. Little knowing what this knock portended, she opened the door. She was utterly stunned to find her husband standing there with a broad smile covering his face.

Olivia, he said, as he whisked her off her feet and into the house, kissing her passionately. He looked deeply into her beautiful eyes and said, Oh, how I have missed you, my love, and he pulled her to him again.

She was so overwhelmed with turmoil that she could not speak.

I’ve come for you and our little girl, now that it is safe again for you to be with me in Srinigar. The political agitation has subsided, and though things are not as they once were, life is normal enough now.

He waited, expecting her to respond with joy, but she simply stood there trying to calm her own agitation.

Aren’t you happy to see, my darling? The smile faded from his handsome face.

Finally she was able to calm herself enough to say, It is such a surprise to see you after all this time, Ashim, especially after not hearing anything from you for the last nine months. When the money stopped coming, I thought you must be in prison or dead – or even that you had changed your mind about us.

She felt herself beginning to melt once again into his compelling presence, even as she had during those first days when he came so suddenly into her life two years ago.

A shadow crept over his countenance as he said, I was in prison, Olivia. It was an experience I am trying very hard to forget – and forgive. There was such treachery, such misinformation. I cannot – I will not tell you of the horrors of it. But let us not speak of that now, my dear Olivia. He held her close to him again.

Her mind reeled. How could she leave? How could she take Dianna back into a foreign country where the people lived on the edge of tumult and insecurity? It was pure romance and adventure when she had first gone to Kashmir with Ashim Malkutamid. Now she had a child to consider, and just when that child’s present and future wellbeing had become so promising and secure as an accepted member of the Sephirtree household.

She pulled away from her husband enough to look intently into his shining dark eyes.

Ashim, so much has happened since I returned to Rose Valley. Her mind was racing back and forth, imaging first one, then another of three different possibilities for her and Dianna. How could she decide so quickly, with him standing there, wondering why she hesitated? Flashes from that year at Srinigar flooded her thoughts: the love, the thrill of a new culture, the sheer beauty of the place, the wealth she had as the wife of a man of royal blood in an ancient far eastern state. But also she remembered the religious customs that smothered her free, American woman’s spirit. Then the unbelievable turn of events as revolution hit the country, forcing Ashim to send her and Dianna home to safety in Rose Valley. And now she had the offer of a beautiful, peaceful life in the Mansion, as part of the Sephirtree family.

The months of separation from her husband had allowed her to move out of the fantastic dream she had moved into when she became Ashim’s wife. But now, his presence, his magnetism, and his warmth rapidly rekindled the love, the passion that had swept her off her feet in the beginning. Her heart soared, and her head spun.

You must come with me, Olivia. I cannot live without you!" He embraced her more tenderly this time. Minutes seemed like hours as their hearts mingled once again in the bliss of two souls reunited.

~

On the third day after Olivia and Dianna left Rose Valley with Ashim, a pall descended upon the Mansion. The day of departure had felt so exhilarating because of the happy reunion, but after the second day, as the realization of their absence began to register, everyone’s spirits began to drop. For the first time in Hyah’s short life in this world, his blithe spirit was cheerless; he gradually sank into a non-diagnosable illness that had everyone very concerned. He would not eat or drink anything except a few forced sips of water. Soon his temperature rose to dangerous heights that pushed him into a coma. Doctors could do nothing to bring him out of it.

Then Amaralim thought to take him up to the penthouse to see Grandpa Tron. The saintly old man said to her as he opened the door, I have been waiting for you to bring him, my dear. He soon will be fine, for in truth there is nothing ailing him but his belief that he has been deserted by two whom he loved and trusted would be with him always. The atmosphere of depression that fills this house helps to perpetuate that feeling. Leave him with me for a time, Prudence. I will let you know when to come for him. (Prudence was the name Tron always called Amaralim.) She laid the child in his arms, feeling a wave of peace and relief flowing through her tense body and lifting the darkness from her soul.

She wondered why she had waited so long. Coming to him was always answer to any problem, healing to any illness. He was not only The Father, but was the bearer of the Sacred Crown, the embodiment of Infinite Wisdom, and The Presence of the Most High. She realized it was her unhappy preoccupation with the loss of Olivia and Dianna that had temporarily kept her from remembering the healing power of his unconditional love and the comfort of his holiness. Reverently she bowed before them, the two together now.

Thank you, Father, she said softly. She kissed the brow of the Ancient One and then the tiny New One and left the room.

Chapter 3 - Growing Up Big

Directly above the sun room in the Sephirtree mansion, there was another large room on the second floor. Its door opened to the first balcony. This one seemed more spacious than the sunroom because the ceiling rose to the fourth floor, making the room two stories high. There were six windows overlooking the back yard and farm – three at floor level and three above those. Light seemed to come from above as well as from eye level. This room had always been used as a library and guestroom. The walls from floor to ceiling were lined with nooks and shelves holding hundreds of books, manuscripts, paintings, and sculptures. A ladder on wheels allowed access to the higher shelves. A desk, a large table, several chairs, and a daybed pleasantly filled the space. The large table was used often to spread out maps or huge reference books when some big research project was in process, a frequent undertaking for one or another of the family members or friends.

Amaralim stood in the middle of the library contemplating the idea of converting some of this space into a room for Hyah, now that he was no longer an infant and did not really need to be in her or Victoriah’s room under their constant care. It was about time for him to have a space of his own – a special place where he could begin to feel his own identity and keep his personal belongings.

She looked to the door wall opposite the windows. Perhaps a partial floor could be built at the third floor level, but not come clear across the library. It could be a circular floor coming from the hall wall to within a few feet of the windows and a door could be cut through to the central hall giving access to the rest of the house. Maybe a little stairway down to the library would be good. This new floor would be somewhat like a mezzanine within the library. Because of the high ceiling this addition should work well. As she stood visualizing it, she saw it done. Of course, this idea would have to be put before the family council for acceptance, but she knew everyone would agree to her plan. When had they ever disagreed with her? Building could start as soon as the details were worked out.

Since Olivia’s departure from Rose Valley and Hyah’s illness, followed by his astounding recovery, the young boy’s joyful spirit had blossomed into a more mature expression of his character. It was almost as if he had grown a year or so overnight. This sudden development defied explanation and bore overtones of mystery. What no one knew, except Grandpa Tron, was that this child had a new companion. The night he made his amazing recovery after having been with the Grandfather, Amaralim had tenderly laid him in his crib in one of the chambers of her fourth floor apartment where he usually slept when not with Victoriah. After leaving him to sleep, she closed the door and all was quiet. A wondrously beautiful, radiant, Light Being then visited him. The room filled with the exquisite, rosy fragrance of its Presence, and there were soft tones of a flute that seemed to float through the air as this being moved toward and around him. Hyah sat up in bed, fascinated. A wave of joy thrilled through him as the Light came close. It did not speak words, but communicated such love that his own True Self was brought to his remembrance for a moment – and he was no longer a baby boy, but knew in that instant Who He Was, Is, and Always Will Be. For a few timeless moments the Light Being glided around him daintily dancing on air, whirling around his head, rising to the ceiling, then plummeting to the floor without touching it, only to rise and circle again. Then it stood still before him, conveying the thought to him that I (for it was neither male nor female) would be with him whenever he called or needed help, encouragement, or love. Starlite was the name to think or speak. Immediately it faded and was gone, and Hyah slept peacefully, awakening the next morning healed and happy.

It was a year since Providence had laid the Child on the doorstep of the Sephirtree mansion. Since there was no way of knowing exactly when he was born, the family decided to celebrate that day as his birthday. To keep in the spirit of his unusual birthing into their world, it was suggested by Hodie that every year on this day, the large basket in which the babe had arrived, be filled with presents. They could then put it on the front porch at dawn, and let Hyah open the door to discover the gifts that God had sent just for him on this, his special day. Everyone agreed that this plan would be both delightful and appropriate. Each of the seven gave careful consideration as to what gift would be the best for him at age one plus two or three months. What he would thoroughly enjoy and learn from the most was the criterion. As he was walking, running, and dancing around quite actively now, and already making some kind of words all his own, the appropriate present required considerable thought.

Until recently, Geb, the second son of the family had not involved himself much with Hyah – not knowing how to relate to the baby mind or physical capabilities. Geb was intensely absorbed in a number of activities, so he was seldom at home during the periods when Hyah was around. The greater part of Geb’s daytime work was managing the Fitness Center in Rose Valley. This job involved evaluating exercise needs of individuals so that each would be working the muscles, ligaments, joints, and fascia needing the most attention in order to establish balance, strength, and vitality to the whole person. And in the evenings he managed The Club, which was a part of the Fitness Center. Most of the young men in town made regular visits to The Club. These were the enthusiastic members bent on attaining the supreme, masculine physique. Older men and women also came for rehabilitation of various kinds. Three afternoons and evenings a week Geb taught martial arts at The Club. This was his way of offering the young people in town training in the mastery of mind over body, the gaining of true strength, which comes from The Source, the Fountainhead of All Power on any level of expression. Geb excelled at all he did at the Center, but teaching the young people was his favorite work. He had, through deep devotion to the principles and practice of Aikido, Judo and Karate earned the highest degree of the black belt. He was also accepted as a master of masters – so rare for a non-Asian. In any competition he attracted immediate attention with his brilliant red hair and outstanding skill.

While growing up Geb had been fascinated with cars and machines of all kinds, and he was nearly always working on some kind of mechanical vehicle in the barn. Because of his intense involvement with machines, he came to understand the way of all mechanical devices. However, he did not stop there. It was this learning which led him into the quest for knowledge of human body mechanics, repair, and improvement, and then to his present occupation.

Now that Hyah was walking and showing signs of physical development beyond babyhood, Geb watched him intently, planning how and when he would begin this child’s education in the use of his body-mind. Starting very young could be quite an advantage if done with vision for the whole man. But right now, he pondered, what could he present to this toddler as a worthwhile gift at one year of age?

Each of the family members had lovingly considered their selection of a birthday gift – a present that would have value as well as bring pleasure to their precious child. In time, each one chose wisely and with great care, then put his gift in the big basket the night before the surprise presentation the next morning. Since Papajah had kept the basket in a special place in his quarters, they let him manage the collection and presentation. He was to be sure it was there at dawn and then he would wake everyone so they could all share in Hyah’s surprise. Some of the gifts were gaily wrapped, but some had no wrappings. Some would appeal to him now and some later during the unfolding of his second year.

At 6:00 a.m. Papajah arose. The recollection of this morning, one year ago, was bringing tears of delight to his eyes. Picking up the basket rekindled precious memories deeply etched in his heart. Kaleidoscopic pictures of the past year flashed through his mind as he walked down the stairs, taking the basket with the gifts in it to the front door and out to the porch. When finished, he went to the dining room where the dinner chimes were hanging and struck them for twenty seconds.

One by one, each door opened and everyone in the house but Grandpa Tron came down the stairs and gathered at the front door. Amah, who still had Hyah in her quarters, came last carrying him in her arms. A questioning look covered the child’s face as he rubbed his sleepy eyes. Amah set him to the side of the door and then opened it part way. All of them peeked through the opening to look at what was there on the porch. A basket – full of things! Hyah looked at the basket and then at the family, not sure what was going on. They opened the door wide, and everyone went out to view the basket more closely with him. Then he saw the white fairy doll tucked in a teddy bear’s arm. Its gossamer transparency was shining in the morning sunlight. He reached slowly for it, picked it up carefully, held it to his heart gently and smiled. The family was amazed and silently touched by the tenderness he showed for this delicate doll, not knowing what it symbolized for him. But Grandpa Tron knew as he watched from his penthouse window, and smiled with quiet pleasure.

Hyah seemed so happy with his wondrous gift that he showed no interest in looking further into the contents of the basket. But the rest of them were eager to see him discover each of their gifts so they took the basket into the hall inside and there urged him to look, to pick another gift, to tear the paper off those that were wrapped, or take one that was not. At last he looked – with some growing enthusiasm – and saw the little red wagon under the teddy bear and all the other packages. He reached in with one hand to touch it, still holding the fairy doll securely with the other. Geb, with pride and pleasure, took the wagon out and set it on the floor, showing Hyah how it could be pulled, which delighted both the little fellow and the man who had chosen it. Then Hyah picked up the teddy bear by an arm and put it in the wagon. Seeing the bear there pleased him. Then with the same tenderness he showed before, he placed the white doll in the arm of Teddy and clapped his little hands in delight, laughing and jumping up and down with a little more enthusiasm. Everyone else was smiling too, as together they quietly watched. Geb picked up the handle of the wagon and put it into Hyah’s hand, moving it a little. Slowly the boy started pulling his two treasures around the circular hall, grinning now from ear to ear.

It is my suggestion, said Amaralim, that we all practice a little patience and let the child open the rest of his gifts through the day, one by one. Let him enjoy and explore each new thing as he chooses.

Reluctantly the others agreed, but Geb and Kyel, kid-like, were secretly tickled that Hyah had chosen their gifts first – after the doll.

We can leave it all here while we get dressed and eat breakfast, Amah went on. "Hyah would not leave the already cherished fairy doll, insisting he carry it with him upstairs.

That evening after birthday dinner, and all the presents had been opened, the family gathered in the big music room where they could enjoy playing the flute, lap harp, and drums Vicki and Hodie had given Hyah. The others thought he was too little for the instruments, but they could see that his interest in them would grow. They would be there for him to become acquainted with gradually.

Hodie was playing the tiny Peruvian flute as he danced around Hyah, who was sitting in the middle of the room delighted. Victoriah strummed simple chords on the small harp that she’d given Hyah that morning. In a moment Geb took the drum and softly kept the beat. Suddenly Hyah was up and dancing round in delight, following Hodie. The joyful spontaneity of it all moved Amah, Papajah, and Kyel, who had, heretofore, been audience, to also join in the dance. Hodie, like the Pied Piper, led the group around the room between chairs and tables, lounge and piano, while Vicki played more complicated music on the harp. All at once Hyah ran over to the little red wagon with the bear holding the white angel doll. He drew the wagon into the line while keeping perfect time with the rhythm of the music. For anyone watching the clock, it would have seemed that they danced for a very long time. But they were outside of time.

Papajah was the first to sit down, then Amah. One by one, laughing and sighing, each collapsed into a chair or on the floor. Papajah’s eyes swept over the group, his family, thinking how these four human gifts had come into his and Amaralim’s life one by one on their birthdays and how through the years, they had grown into such a fabulous Tree of Life. Now this wonderful little one in the midst of them filled the whole with new joy, new purpose, and new vision. Touching the gold-edged letter in his pocket, he said a silent prayer of thanksgiving for this amazing last gift of The Spirit that brought the whole together. And Grandpa Tron, in his penthouse, nodded.

Chapter 4 - Unfoldment of the Light

Hyah had been moved into his new room for a month now and liked having his very own space. He enjoyed its pleasing roundness, and the feeling he had of being suspended in space as he looked out the windows that opened into the library, allowing him to look through its 2-story windows directly opposite. Whenever he felt too alone at night, he would go down to Victoriah’s room and creep into her bed for a cuddle as he used to when he was a baby. Of course he was a big boy now, but he still loved to be with Victoriah and have her sing to him and Starlite. Her music seemed to fill a subtle void that he sometimes felt in his heart, especially at night in the darkness. Having Starlite to hold helped, and having her come in spirit really lifted him, but he also needed the human touch and Victoriah’s lovely voice.

During the day Hyah spent much of his time in the sunroom where he could play freely without being constantly told not to touch. His pile of toys and collected items of interest held his attention quite well when none of the family were with him. He also enjoyed looking out the windows, watching Mr. Fields work in the vegetable garden and around the farm, tending the chickens and horses, pruning or watering the orchard. It was getting into late fall now, so there were many things for Mr. Fields to do. Sometimes Hyah was allowed outside with this kindly old man who managed the little farm for the family. The child always seemed engrossed in what was being done; he listened while Mr. Fields talked almost incessantly to the plants and animals, or whatever he was attending.

One day as the old man and the child were in the garden together, Mr. Fields began pointing to each item he picked and, looking first at Hyah then at the carrot or other vegetable, asked the boy to repeat the name after him. Within a few days Hyah knew the name of every vegetable there.

This day Mr. Fields filled a bag with the last turnips of the season and put it in Hyah’s hands and told him to take them into the kitchen and give them to Miz Amaralim to cook for dinner. The child took the bag and carried out the old man’s instructions with delight. The back door was ajar, so he pushed it open and shouted, Amah, Amah, turnips for dinner, as he came in the door. It was such a surprise to hear him talking so clearly that she stopped in her work and just looked at him in amazement. He ran up, handing her the bag, and then flung his little arms around her legs, which were covered with dress and apron. She took the bag, looked inside, and smiled at him.

Thanks you for the turnips, Hyah, she said. After laying the turnips on the counter, she lifted him up high, twirled, then put him down.

Hodie had just entered the kitchen when Hyah burst into the