This is final segment of a four-part serial weaving the story of a Lenape Indian with Mountain Laurel, a plant that blankets Southwestern Pennsylvania with pale pink blossoms in the early summer. NOTE: Mountain-Laurel is hyphenated to indicate it’s biologic classification as a member of the heath rather than the laurel family. By now Rushing Waters pain required deeper sips of the golden elixir inside his cup. Truth be known, he’d frequently used this herb to seek relief from his own bodily pain. The Mountain-Laurel salve he massaged into his aching, swollen, feverish joints had helped initially, but as the symptoms progressed and his joints stiffened the remedy
became less beneficial. He also struggled to keep weight on his bones and avoid night sweats. Sleeplessness contributed to his constant weariness. The limited movement in his fingers, knees and elbows made it difficult to rise from a sitting position or even to hold a cup. Because his survival now depended on the use of resources needed by the young, on whose backs tribal life depended, Rushing Waters considered himself a detriment to his people. Comfort came from the knowing he’d completed teaching his herbal remedies to his students, who now competently carried on the traditions of medicine men. Rushing Waters leaned back against the rough oak tree bark. It was time...he was ready to take action for his community. The golden elixir in his cup felt comfortably warm as he gulped rapidly. The shrub that had been his friend throughout his life was serving him one last time. He knew what to expect---the vomiting ending in a final coma, but he was at peace, knowing by this time tomorrow he’d be with his ancestors. In twelve days he’d even meet his Creator. He passed into the spirit world on a balmy spring day in 1751. Overshadowing the scene was a beloved Mountain-Laurel with its shroud of pink-tinted white blossoms. He looked down on them from above with a pain free and perfect body. He left earth never knowing that the shrub that was his harbinger of summer and his support through life was to be the state flower of both Pennsylvania and Connecticut, and would lend its name to places like Laurel Mountain Borough and Laurel Highlands. Thank you for reading RAINBOW’S END. We hope you enjoyed it. Meanwhile, to read about kudzu A KUDZU COVERED VEHICLE GRAVEYARD , the unicorn THE UNICORN: MYTH OR REALITY? and a blue butterfly, STAR GAZER LILIES and a BLUE BUTTERFLY. Just click on the titles. | 
