I just finished this lovely story, so interesting to read after having watched the first movie tonight, and I was wondering how you figured out what Cloud Dancing would say during the sweat lodge ceremony and actually in that entire episode with Sully and Josef. Did you ask a Native American or learn about the ceremony from books? How did you learn about the philosophy well enough to bring this scene alive? I could just hear Cloud Dancing saying all those things to little Josef. It was very touching. Thank you!
I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the story as a followup to the first movie.
For the sweat lodge "scene," I researched books on Native American culture, along with Internet sites. After piecing together pertinent parts of NA spirituality, I imagined what words and symbols might help a child regain his "spirit." What could be better for a little boy than dirt and fur? :-) So, it was part "book learnin' and part imagination that inspired Cloud Dancing's message to Josef.
Anyway, I am grateful to know that you found it touching.
Well, all I can say is you are just AWESOME! That story worked so well, I thought you must be a Native American yourself. :) Thank you so much for all you've done to make this continuation of the saga so enjoyable and so real.