One morning Kaori decided that her mourning period must end. This was about two weeks later and Kaori spent some extra time with the hawk and came out of this meeting with a new attitude.
“My grandmother taught me that if I stay in sadness too long, it grows and can become out of control,” Kaori whispered to herself. That day she decided to end her period of mourning and that day she did. She had accepted this change in her life and started singing again.
“Life is alive with me,” Kaori sang that morning.
I am alive with life and that I shall do today. I rejoice in love and joy. This is the morning of my movement into a life of a continued happiness.”
Ibuki had trained Kaori in the healing arts. Using plants, prayer, and sound Kaori contributed to the health of her patients as her grandmother had taught her.
Her grandmother had also taught her to be careful about controlling her fears and avoiding the common habit of becoming superstitious. “Keep your mind and heart open to continually learn and you will grow into a wonderful healer,” was a common statement of Ibuki.
“I am always learning and growing better at what I do,” said Kaori. “I study my craft so that I can continue to learn. I learn from the gods and the world about me. As long as I remain open, I will learn.”