In reality, I could not even dream of its construction, but I was dreaming ...and at this moment, I "was" the Indian. Throughout my winter's hunting, I had kept an eye out for just the right birch tree ...one that would provide maximum surface for a canoe. And I finally found the ideal tree. The family shared my excitement! My wife began preparing the cedar wood that needed to be soaked several days in hot water for the ribs of the canoe. My son had collected spruce roots. My daughter had collected spruce gum, now adding some fat to the mixture to boil over a fire. I worked hard, as did the entire family, until sundown. We were all exhausted. We didn't have to gather together for the evening meal ...we were together all day. But, I have to admit, mealtime was the best part: We relaxed together, we ate together, and we laughed together. We reflected upon the day, and we appreciated what we had. It wasn't much, but the much we did have ...was each other.