A Son's Sacrifice For His Brother's Survival.

Many years in the past, when mankind was still dwelling in huts, there was a man who was the chief of his village. He was strong and able.

He was a great fighter and hunter. He had many scars from battles and other incidents. Living in such a harsh environment had many consequences for everyone.

Survival in itself was a pure miracle. Life was hard but it was also beautiful. Man appreciated nature and the wonders and beauty she held.

They were grounded and would spend hours just watching the plains in Africa or the waves in the ocean. Or waiting patiently for dinner to walk past in a thick forest or jungle.

They had to learn patience for wild animals had a very keen sense of hearing and sight. Ambush was generally their best method of hunting.

Once they had injured an animal then they would chase it for hours or even days until it collapsed. They would take it back to their village triumphantly and everyone would rejoice, sing and dance as they cooked their dinner over a large camp fire.

On this particular night, the chief's son had been injured in the hunt. He was severely wounded and it wasn't clear if he would even survive the night.

The chief and the wife of his child were very worried and upset. It felt strange to be rejoicing of receiving food while their son's life lay in the balance.

However, it was tradition and there was no point being sad and miserable and missing out on the moment right in front of them.

They understood that being sad and unhappy did not change anything. Whatever was going to happen was going to happen.

They did understand that being happy and joyful and above all grateful would lead to more great things happening in their life.

It was important to know that what they focused on, would dictate their lives. If they were grateful and thankful for food and good hunting, then they discovered that they would get more of this.

They learnt about a deep connection to nature and how everything worked together. But even as they were thankful for the upcoming feast, they were sad at the same time.

It was hard not to be. They had been through so much with their son. He was only 12 years old but growing into a strong man and a good hunter.

But evidently, not strong enough. The chief sighed realising that he would have to train his other son's harder. He would have to ensure they were better prepared for the harsh reality of the world they lived in.

He vowed to take this responsibility and be a better father. They both stayed at the boys side all night and as dawn broke and the sun started to peak over the horizon, their son took his last breathe and was silent.

His ragged breathing ceased and he was still. The chief and his wife shed a tear of sadness and loss but they knew that their son would be reborn once more.

In fact, they knew that this was just the next stage of their son's journey. He may go up into the stars and watch over them or he may be reborn and experience human life once more.

They would miss him but they understood the way of the world. The limitless nature of all living things. The endless cycle of life. The limitless nature of energy and how it would never die completely.

Now, they would rejoice and celebrate the life of their son and wish him a speedy return. Or indeed a safe journey to the next phase of his energy's journey.

They told stories of how brave he was. How keen he was to learn. How the girls liked him. The mischief he would get up to with his friends. They laughed and they cried as they remembered their son.

They would never forget him but they would also be happy for him. The chief stood up and proclaimed his vow to be better. To train his boys to be better hunters and fighters.

To be stronger and more resilient. And true to his word, they began that very day. They were still young but he would make them run with him. He would teach them to swim in the river.

Teach them how to start a fire and how to set a snare to trap smaller animals. He would teach them how to throw a spear. All of them had to practice again and again.

His wife gently chided him that he was being too hard on them. That no amount of hard training would bring their sibling back. The chief thanked her for the reminder.

Their partnership was equal. She was always very good at getting her point across to him when he needed it the most. It was important to train his sons well but not to let his fear cloud his judgement.

His fear of the past and the loss of his son should not impair his judgement in the future and in the now. Yes, there was always a lesson to learn but that lesson was not fear.

She reminded him to fill his children with love. To be clear about his feelings and his promise to make them stronger and better than their lost brother.

There was thought behind everything he did. Aware of how they impacted others and always open to listening and hearing his wife's wisdom.

She would remind him that the children would get stronger when they rested. They could not simply push themselves every day for one day they will break and be worse off.

Instead of being stronger, they would be weaker and worn out. It was all about balance. The way of nature. Everything was in balance.

His boys grew to be strong young men. They survived longer than their hapless brother. But they also understood that their lost brother had been their teacher.

To teach them to be better and stronger and wiser in order to survive themselves.

They understood that their brother's purpose was to teach them by dying himself. Everything was a lesson and action always had to be taken in order to grow.

Thank you for reading. Grateful for any shares and likes which help promote my writing to others. And of course, any comments on what you thought of the story :)