Examples of Thomas moving from trauma to healing?

One example of Thomas' healing can be seen after the rain comes, when the whale that was untraditionally slaughtered is revealed again. This is a symbol to Thomas of the need to reveal one's truth, because only then can he start anew. It symbolizes his determination to go to Washington and give back his Vietnam war medals, which will reveal the truth about both what he saw and what he did in the war. He sees the rain washing away the lies of the tribe as a symbol of the need for him to tell the truth.