Corned Beef Hero – A Letter of Thanks
Happy Easter, Mudflatters!
This morning, I thought we could take a break from politics for a moment and focus on the positive work that this community has accomplished on behalf of the residents of rural Alaska. There is much more to be done to ensure long-term solutions for the challenges facing Alaskan villages, but there is a story that says when a man has been struck by an arrow, you don’t ask where the arrow came from or who shot it, or what kind of arrow it is. First, you remove it and tend to the wound. When people need food, you can’t postpone help until you figure out the tangled web of events that caused the problem. Immediate help must accompany long-term strategy.
The following is a wonderful letter of thanks from a Mudflats reader for all those who have helped rural Alaskans in their plight this winter with gifts of food, donations for fuel, and messages of love and support.
**************************
Memories come in strange form. This time they arrived amongst the cans of corned beef hash.
The list read: Canned Meat.
So canned meat we had been stalking, and had found in the massive boxed offerings at Costco. There among the cases of Spam and Vienna Sausages and Corned Beef Hash, I found myself catching drifts of memories… horses, can opener, shame.
Strange, the power of memories. You can either put them back in the brain caves from which they came, or grasp them and learn from their stories.
This was no time for remembering. Hubby and I were on a mission to fill Ann Strongheart’s food list. We’d adopted a family in Nunam Iqua, and were flush with purpose as we pushed our carts. Major discussions were had over canned beans and soup cartons. Would cartons freeze in transport? (Yes!) Do kids eat beans? (doubtful). But committee approval was not needed at the candy aisle. Who doesn’t like M & M’s?
An hour later we’d boxed up the loot and Hubby was off to do the posting.
And I began to cry. I cried at sharing with my husband the joy of giving this family a helping hand.
And I cried for the little girl memories that refused to go back into that cave. The thought of the faces of the village children when they opened our boxes of food, signaled in me a rush of pictures in my mind. I saw the faces of my sisters as we watched our mother open a flour sack filled with canned goods and another filled with milk and cereal.
We hadn’t eaten real food for a week. The crackers and watered down evaporated milk were gone that morning. There’d been no heat in the house for weeks. We chopped wood and sawed logs trying to get fuel for the old fire stove. My stepfather hadn’t had work for I don’t know how long and neither had my mother. We were three sisters, all under ten. If stepdad hadn’t found the rent-free caretaker’s house at the head of a canal works, we would have been homeless.
There is a certain shame to being hungry when you are a child. And the shame is unspoken.
We three sisters would walk the mile up the canyon to catch our school bus, and once boarded and taken off to school, never talk of our hunger . We accepted lunch money loans that embarrassed us with the taking. In our minds we were the only kids with growling stomachs. We pretended that we belonged, but our poverty lurked behind us like a shadow. What we could have used was a hero.
And on this Saturday morning, just after the frost of April, in a river canyon of Colorado, there stood outside our house, a horse. And behind that horse was a packhorse. Working the straps of the horses was a cowboy. He wasn’t a romantic kind of cowboy. He was more the grizzled type, all grey and brown and bowlegged and wrinkled. I never heard his name and he wasn’t much for words but when my stepdad came out to shake his hand, there lurked a bit of a grin behind his beard.
We were in awe…here stood the legendary “cowboy hermit” of the Western Slope. Of course, we’d heard of him and one exploring day, past the canal a few miles to the west, we’d thought we spied his cavehut.
On this day, the hermit became our hero.
Here’s how he came to us:
Back at the head of the canyon stood a miners’ store. It was where we caught our school bus and the miners and cowboys could stock up on canned beans and chewing tobacco. The day before, stepdad had been in asking for credit. He didn’t get it but our cowboy heard his desperation.
Without announcement he packed up those horses with provisions…all that he had in that cave and the milk from the miners’ store. And he showed up at our back porch.
He carried those floursacks into the kitchen, was offered a seat, and with the coffee that he’d pulled from the bag, my mother made him a fresh cup .
He watched as we girls stood dumbfounded at the bounty in those bags. Peanut butter and crackers, Cheerios, and canned chili and baked beans and a can opener. These we all knew. But there were, also, six cans of the one thing I’d never seen before: Corned Beef Hash
To this day I love the memories of that Hero Cowboy. And I love Corned Beef Hash.
But now I cry again as I write to thank all of you who have given to the Alaskan Villages.
In my own life I have come full circle in the receiving and the giving. In each of you I know that there is a similar story. Most of you carry these stories in your hearts and your hearts are full.
Quyana caknek
Fawnskin Mudpuppy
[For those of you who would like to reach out to assist those families in need in rural Alaska, visit HERE. Go to the side bar and click "How to Help"]
Happy Easter everyone!
Beautiful. Thank you for this lovely story, Fawnskin Mudpuppy. I mourn the priorities of our world, country, and state, that even one child goes to bed hungry, and also know, and gratefully acknowledge, those many who willingly share when there is a need.
Thank you all!
Happy Easter.
What a wonderful story, yes many of us have stories like this, safely tended in our hearts. Thanks for sharing yours this morning.
Fawnskin Mudpuppy
A lovely Easter Morning gift.
Blessings and many thanks.
This made me cry. I, too,have memories. And I too am very blessed to be able to help others. It’s an amazing road we walk….together. Peace!
Thank you for this gentle reminder of our mutual humanity. Fawnskin Mudpuppy, you also have a wonderful way with words. Thank you so much.
corn beef with flour gravy,I so remember making that for my sons.I had to walk away from the computer after reading this.What memories it brought back, some good.. quite a bit not so good, things change and we grow stronger….HAPPY EASTER..AND PEACE
Fawnskin – Bravo! Beautifully written, and hits home – as a person who was blessed to meet you and your hubby at our Mudstock, I just want to say that you are absolutely beautiful (inside and out). Happy Easter lovely lady.
Memories yes……. of my parents trying to feed 8 children on next to nothing.
And it was my grandparents with their brown packages of flour and cornmeal (government issue) that helped us through.
It brings back memories of corned beef hash that my mother used to make.
And the many times we only had oatmeal for each meal.
Thank you.
I have been many times fequently reminded of all we have. And much more than we need. Or will ever use. It is neither responsible of us to take from others, nor is it friendly to the Earth, whose resources we deplet to get all this “stuff.” Endless bottles of cleaners -though “organic,” are packaged in plastic container after plastic container. Prepackaged overcooked, salt laden foods. 90% recycled toilet paper packaged in plastic wrap -why? Blankets, dishes, towels, clothes we’ll never wear. Stuff. It’s everywhere. If we would use and take only what we truely need, those who have a little extra could share, and never would there be a hungry mouth to feed.
Embrace the day & the renewal of life spring bring with it!
Have a Blessed Easter Everyone
Fawnskin thank you so much for sharing such a tender part of your heart with us (o:
That made me cry, too. Between this which I just read after listening to This I Believe on my local NPR station where a woman describes the help she got from a poor community that she moved to after hardship, it show what truly generous people do for each other. And it doesn’t have to come with the strings attached by SPees supporters.
Happy Easter all, beautiful letter, very touching.
I do have to say you guys, and the other Alaskan progressive blogs, did some great work helping out people in need. God bless you for that, and Happy Easter to all of you.
Thanks for the beautiful story. Wonderfully written and a lovely message for this day spent with family. Strength & kindness are in us all, let us reach out to others and share our blessings.
Happy Easter everyone. Special Easter hugs to Fawnskin!
It’s harder to do this on a BlackBerry than I thought—I missed some words up there, but I think you get the idea. Fawnskin, you are one of the warmest people I have ever met, and the world is truly a better place because of people like you, AKM and the others on this blog who use their talents and creativity to solve problems instead of talking in word salad.
Fawnskin ~ thank you for the tears (in a good way) this morning. I’ll carry your sentiment with me all day.
Happy Easter to all. Thank you for this wonderful story. I, too, have memories.
Blessings and namaste.
Fawnskin – Crying here in the UK – what memories! My mum used to take us ‘visiting her sisters’ at ‘teatime’. Nobody was fooled, least of all me at the age of 9 or so. I remember being ashamed, what a little putz I was. You are fabulous and so are all who help.
Good Morning ! I suppose others might have also expected a letter of thanks from those receiving food, but oh no no no Mudflats is not an ordinary blog.
“But now I cry again as I write to thank all of you who have given to the Alaskan Villages. In my own life I have come full circle in the receiving and the giving.”
Wow That touched my heart.
If anyone had ever doubted the purpose, intent, and true benefit of this Blog created by AKM and the supporting Mud-puppies, then this is another reminder.
In an effort to try to stay positive humane and constructive I’ve refrained from characterizing the mistakes of Rep Mike Doogan and others like him, and instead I’ll simply point out this post as the most recent example, a testimony, of the power of an anonymous blog.
And for those who need a reminder, the criticism of politicians falling short of our ideals does not come from a nasty negative blogger who just wants to ‘attack from the shadows’ , but someone who wants to right wrongs, and not have personal identity confused in the mix of controversy that often comes with it.
Deep bow to AKM and supporting mud-puppies.
oh darn, My First paragraph above doesn’t sound quite right. Meant to say its was just an unexpected twist. Hope that came across…
I can tell by your writing you are a beautiful person. Thank you for the beautiful and heartfelt story on this Easter morning. Have a wonderful Happy Easter everyone.
Thank you, Fawnskin. Your story made me feel very grateful for Mudflats and all the wonderful people who read it, share their thoughts and even send gifts to those in need. So, thank you Fawnskin and thank you all.
Happy Easter everyone.
Thank you so much for your post. It touches my heart when I read experiences like this.
If we all just gave a little bit more of ourselves everyday, what a difference it would make.
Although growing up, I resented those starving kids in China who were used to guilt me into eating spinach and brussel sprouts!
And now I’ll wipe away the tears and smile and let the early spring yellow of daffodils, dandelions and forsythia fill the spaces. Thank you Fawnskin, AKM and all.
“In my own life I have come full circle in the receiving and the giving. In each of you I know that there is a similar story. Most of you carry these stories in your hearts and your hearts are full.”
Fawnskin, thank you for sharing. You remind us to not only remember our stories, but also strive to see “stories in the making.” For most of us, our stories took place long ago. We all still have some inner “Hero Cowboy” in us though, and this cowgirl has some roundin’ up of food to do!
Thanks, Fawnskin,
for the kind of compassionate eloquence that can travel across thousands of miles and still pull me close as a hug….
My home state feels less scattered and isolated to me since last summer when I wandered into the mudflats. My mind and my heart are richer for it.
Hmmm. Isn’t that what the Easter message is about? Help your neighbor. It doesn’t deplete you, but completes you.
Thanks, Fawnskin
Thank you for that powerful story – it exemplifies, in my humble opinion, the power of human kindness and sharing. It is what makes us, the human race, human.
Thank you Mudflats for sharing with us.
Mart
AKM and Fawnskin
Thank you for such a touching story. Fawnskin thank you for sharing your story.
I remember one Christmas morning that we received three bags of groceries on the front porch. Best Christmas that we ever had.
Happy Easter to all.
Thank you so much for this beautiful story and the tears that came with it.
That was just lovely. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing Fawnskin mudpup……..yep, I too have grateful memories of when unexpected help came in the form of 2 grocery bags of food when I was young, newly married with a 4 month old baby in a cold old drafty rented house trying to make it from paycheck to paycheck and falling short. Those bags of food where stuffed to the top with baby food and I can remember feeling SO grateful, thankful and blessed. It lifted my spirit and gave me hope. I’ve always tried to pass that hope and help on. Being in need is not an easy place to be.
Thank you for sharing a part of your life and heart. And AKM thank you for giving us this forum to share.
Here is the Easter Egg design that the Whitehouse chose this year. Signed by the President AND Michelle.
https://www.nationalparks.org/about/store/products/
Happy Easter Everyone;
I absolutely love this story. Even though she already shared it with me it still brought tears to my eyes as I read it this morning. Fawnskin is on a retreat right now and I don’t know when she will be back, but I am certain she will love everyone comments!!
To me this is the epitome of not wanting others to go through what you went through in life. The proof that no matter how ugly things are there is always something beautiful.
This crisis has proven many things to me….
1. There are so many people not only in AK but also across the US and around the world that truly care about others no matter their circumstances, race, background or beliefs.
2. The glass is always half full no matter how bad things are you can always find the positive. Of course the positive here has been how simply astounding the out pouring of love and care and packages have been from people every where. The words of encouragement, support and understanding. The stories of hard times, now or in the past, where others still step up and help in any way they can, be it a kind word or a box of food.
3. Miracles can and do happen. In my humble opinion the response of all of you Mudpups, Anonymous Bloggers and others to the crisis in Rural Alaska has been a miracle. Without all of you responding to Nick Tucker’s cry for help none of this would have come to light!
4. Slowly but surely we are all finding our voices and learning how important it is to use them. I had a woman approach me in the Bethel Airport the other day with a message of support and understanding. It amazes me to see fellow natives stepping up now and supporting the changes that need to happen to help make our rural communities sustainable.
I could go on and on but fear I my post will get too long, so in closing QUYANA CAKNEQ to everyone for your support and help to not only my village but all of rural Alaska!! Without all of you none of this would be possible!
Quyana AKM and Fawnskin for sharing this story and bringing help to my people.
Happy Easter and Passover to all!!!
Ann Strongheart
Nunam Iqua Food Drive
c/o Ann Strongheart
P.O. Box 7
Nunam Iqua, AK 99666
nunamiquayouth@yahoo.com
http://anonymousbloggers.wordpress.com
Yeah Ann !! Thanks to you !!
Happy Easter, Fawnskin, and all Mudpups. Appreciate the full circle story.
And speaking of pups, Obamas have met the new first pup and named him, Bo.
Apparently Michelle’s father had the nickname Diddley.
QUYANA CAKNEQ, Ann Strongheart.
Gunalcheesh, also. (Tlingit)
Sarah Palin’s pick for AK’s Attorney General: “If a guy can’t rape his wife…who’s he gonna rape?” Part 2
Shannyn gives us letter from Leah’s dad to WAR. BLISTERING. WAR’s response? Oy.:
http://thepoliticalcarnival.blogspot.com/2009/04/sarah-palins-pick-for-aks-attorney.html
What a nice Easter Story for everyone.
As an O T remark.
The captive captain in Somalia has been rescued as reported by CNN.
Also good news this day.
honestyinGov@39
Yea!! thank you for the good news! That is wonderful.
(Figures! There’s STILL no Kleenex in the house!)
Thank you all, every last one of you, for your part in building such a beautiful, heart-warming place here in this series of tubes… and for sharing the beauty within you all, with all of us!
What a great story from Fawnskin, and very meaningful on this Easter Sunday. It is with great regret that I acknowledge that their are so many hungry children in the United States, and in the world. I wish Fawnskins story was unusual, but it is not. The unusual here thing here is the eloquence with which she put the story forth. It is a strong reminder to all of us to do our part, and I am very grateful to her for shareing. This reminds us all to do what we can whenever we can. Visit the food banks, and take a case of chilli or a bag of rice and beans. Let us all dedicate ourselves to making this world a better place. Happy Easter to AKM and all you mudpups.
Thank you, Fawnskin. Thank you, Ann Strongheart. And most of all, thank you AKM for creating this community.
Fawnskin – even your name speaks gentle, humble goodness…
I can’t begin to express how deeply touched I am, nor how privileged I feel to have had the opportunity to share your powerful and inspiring story.
It gives me fresh and continued hope in the strength of our collective humanity. Despite the struggles that threaten to overwhem and consume all of us, your words are a tender, bittersweet reminder that we can – yes, we can – effect the change that we need and deserve.
Thank you, AKM, for a most wonderful and inspiring moment of peace and goodwill.
What goes around comes around, and I, too, remember times, long ago and not so long ago, when a helping hand was very welcome.
It is snowing here this Easter, so far south of Alaska, but north of many of you in the “first 49″. It reminds me that there is still a lot of hard weather to come before spring breakup for the villages.
This story is very touching, and reminds me greatly of stories shared to me by members of my family of their hardships.
My parents knew this kind of story well, and made sure that their children were taken care of. I think, if everyone had parents like the ones I had… The world would be a better place.
They may not be the best of parents, but they most certainly know the pains of going without. An they try their very best, to this day, to help their children and grandchild.
Myself, I’ve fallen upon hard times and if it weren’t for my parents… I’d have a story like above to share. Losing my job in 2001, going from part time job to part time job unable to afford housing, food, or medical.. To finally losing the ability to do the only kind of work thats being sought for in my area.
If it weren’t for the kindness of my parents, I’d be in a cardboard box under a bridge. I’d be in the homeless shelter, I’d be one of the nameless many who have suffered much.. an that the cowboy didn’t visit.
So I think the cowboy and cowgirl that came to my rescue. Much love mom and Dad. Someday I’ll find a way to repay. An someday, when I’m on my feet I hope to support others in need like this astonishing community has done with the Native alaskan villages to the north.
Makes me believe in better days to come, and not stare at the hopelessness that surrounds me.
Keep sharing these astonishing stories, they bring me and others hope. Good luck with all you do and experience mudpups/akm.. Those of us south look towards you, and the other mudpups with admiration.
first 48, problem child, but who’s counting? LOL
Fawnskin: thanks much for sharing your story. (Tears, here, not something I get much of……) You’ve ‘come a long way, baby’ and your open heart and generosity are no doubt a gift to all you know, as well as those of us in PJ’ that you may not…
Fawnskin, I, too, am deeply touched and moved. My tears mingle with my appreciation for the telling, for AKM and Ann for sharing, and hope for our continuing compassion for one another.
Fawnskin and Mike remind us ‘hero’s’ come in many forms.
We have to remember that in these times of need for so many.
Caring and voicing it is the first step and one we can all do.
Mike you will get there, many of us have traveled that road, with and without great parents.
Staying positive and engaged keeps you moving up.
give your parents a hug from me – mine are the same and too far away to do right now!!
Fawnskin, I shed some tears reading your beautiful letter.
AKM, it is a privilege to be a part of this wonderful community.
And Mike…there are some wonderful cowboys and cowgirls in this world.
Happy Easter everyone.
As I sit here reading, crying and now writing it is 17 degrees outside, windchill making it 3 degrees, but my heart is full and warm from all I have received through this “community”.
Fawnskin, AKM and so many others. In big ways and tiny. In one time efforts, in ongoing efforts.
As the ‘middleperson’ in getting all your efforts to the families out here in our two villages the food, hope and goodies each package fills my heart and gives me hope.
Ann and I were just discussing that the odds we face here in the bush, many made by ourselves, are such that it is hard to change things. When we see what might be watershed moments, like Nick’s letter, we gain hope that enough people will finally come forward to help us help ourselves into a better place.
Having all of you hear our words, share our hope and do your part to keep us going could well be the things that allow this area of Alaska to move forward, and yet holding those things so dear to us.
People having open minds to listen, to try and understand our world and cares, and better yet to continually give us the energy to find solutions.
So many of these issues have been here for many years. So often they hit a peak, like the first calls for food and fuel, and quickly drop away.
You, Fawnskin and so many others to name have kept up the energy even as spring remains slow coming to us your sunshine and warmth stay with us.
We, Ann and I, are hearing ‘go get um girls’ from those in the villages that are tired of the same old issues holding us back. The things we must face to prevent this from becoming a yearly thing are STILL in front of us and we now have hope we will continue to have support to make these changes.
Thank you for caring, learning and speaking out. Ann and I are just the pass through to those who need it most and your thanks are not needed.
Your continued caring will be even after the need for food isn’t so we can pay you back with strong, health kids and young adults with their feet firmly rooted in our cultures, way of life and beliefs.
We want to join the world discussion from a position of strength and you are helping us get there.
Happy Easter and much spring warmth to all of you!!
Victoria B
Pilot Point/Ugashik Food Drive
Pilot Point, AK 99649
victoria@anonymousbloggers.com
Easter Sunday is almost over again for me, one more look at Mudflats and then this BEAUTIFUL Easter Egg in the most dazzling colours. Thankyou so much Fawnsking. We have to remember and not be ashamed. You have honoured yourself, your parents, your cowboy angel by remembering and you honour them again by sending packages to children, like the one you once were.
Thankyou and Thankyou everybody
Have a wonderful Easter, Spring and Year!
AKM!
A blessed Easter to you and all Mudflatters who are sharing the wonderful gift that you just gave us for this day. Those who have already posted demonstrate true agape love and compassion, and have eloquently expressed everything I could possibly feel.
Reading you daily is like leaning into the opening strains of “The Hallelujah Chorus” or “O Fortuna” ………. just know that your writing reflects your warm heart, …. it is that magnificant!
Just finished delivering Easter baskets to those in my area and if your message doesn’t make me get off my derriere and get some good stuff to AK; then I am going to deprive myself of the four lbs. of Alaskan king crab legs that are in my freezer!
Compelling.
(just wish I had some Irish or Norse butter!)
Thank you everyone for sharing your soulful comments… it made this day so abundant in the most complete way. That is a gift .
I thought I was all ‘teared out’ today. That the waterworks ran dry. Then I read Fawnskin’s beautiful writing.
I’ve read the postings of AKM, of Ann, of Victoria and of the many on the blog of the sending and receiving of packages — all read with a huge smile. From the involvement of the young school children in Hawaii. To seeing the pics Ann has shared of her Little Darlin!! Of her and the many helping in her village and reading of the others. It’s a lot of work well done!! The words so many of you write, paint the pictures in my mind where I can see you shopping for the items needed and boxing them up. The sorting and delivery through the snow. The movie plays through my mind.
The words our parents taught us “It’s better to give than to receive” ring so true as have been evidenced by your kindness here.
My waterworks was started at a Women’s Shelter earlier today where a group organized a Children’s Party and Mom & Worker Luncheon. I left the cooking to the others as I did not want to be responsible for any illnesses!! Cooking is not my passion, but a necessity!! My fun was the making of all the sugar highs for which I pleaded ‘not guilty’. I used to do chocolate for craft shows so spent the past couple of weeks making for the kids, Moms and shelter workers. To hear some of the young kids ask “How did the Easter Bunny know where to find me?” broke my heart yet made me smile as I had personalized all their treats. I’ve been accused for years of having a direct line to the Easter Bunny!! I actually have a lavender color phone, not the Presidential red one!! Something we think so small, yet was so huge!! To them!! I’ve been truly filled today!!
AKM, Ann, and everyone here, have a safe, Happy Easter!!
This Easter Bunny is going to climb back under the covers into a hibernation nap!!
Happy Easter to all !!
http://dl-client.getdropbox.com/u/93930/FjZuyAEx3lnfat048usXFHHFo1_400.jpg
OT..
Finally updated my diary on Anonymous Bloggers. Put up a pic of CC from last night!! It’s too cute!!
Hopefully will start posting regularly on my diary, time allowing
Thanks again to everyone and Have a VERY Happy EASTER!!!
Ann Strongheart
Nunam Iqua Food Drive
c/o Ann Strongheart
P.O. Box 7
Nunam Iqua, AK 99666
nunamiquayouth@yahoo.com
http://anonymousbloggers.wordpress.com/
Tears for me, too. Life does run in circles, for those of us willing to notice. I love the fable of the Grizzled Cowboy being the good samaritan. Isn’t it so true, that the people we least expect are the ones who teach us the most memorable lessons. Thank you AKM and Fawnskin for sharing it.
Today there was a whale in the cove I surf. On the beach and in the water we all watched in awe. Surfers, tourists, children, rich old people, laborers on Sunday holiday with their families.
The Risen Christ takes many forms. Whales, cowboys. . .
Happy Easter everyone! This totally made me cry-my kids are looking at me all weird as I sniffle at the computer screen.
Now, hate to trash up the good feeling link with mention of the Alaska Governor-wannabe but here is the latest.
Palin Skipping Town As Stimulus Showdown Looms and Republicans are baffled.
“I’ll be gone for one day,” Palin said. “I already have been on record with lawmakers on this. I told lawmakers, you know what, ‘Please, don’t make me feel that I have to ask you permission, lawmakers, to leave the capital city.’”
Legislators complain that even when Palin is around, she isn’t very engaged.
Leaders in the Republican-dominated Legislature tell the Juneau Empire they’re “baffled” at the Palin administration’s failure to push even their own priorities. They say they have to push Palin’s team to support bills they themselves sought.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/04/12/palin-skipping-town-as-st_n_185955.html
Fawnskin muddpuppy,
I thank you so much for your story from your ♥ I’m crying as I read it. Did you ever get to see your cowboy hero again after that? I’m sure that’s another story
All the people who have reached out to the villages whether it be with food pacs or $…words I cannot say for the joy from these people. Right now times are tough for many…but if we can all lend a hand out to our fellow man/woman/child or our animal friends…this world will be a better place.
Easter Blessing to All the Muddpups around the world and a heartfelt Thanks to AKM for bringing us all together…Yes we can!!!
A beautiful Easter indeed for Captain Phillips and his family !!
I guess the pirates had not heard of the U.S.Navy Seals. Now they know all about them and how the Seals take care of business. PO gave the order.
http://www.npr.org/templates/common/image_enlargement.php?imageResId=102996350&imageStoryId=102952372
Wildlife Avenger Says:
April 12th, 2009 at 12:28 PM
Happy Easter to all !!
http://dl-client.getdropbox.com/u/93930/FjZuyAEx3lnfat048usXFHHFo1_400.jpg
I ♥ your pics, they always bring a smile, even the little anklebitter, lol! Yes I love all my animal friends too.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wildlife Avenger-Thanks
Happy Easter!
Dr. Truth,
Pirates have attacked two US navy ships prior to this US commercial ship. Piracy off Somalia shores has been ongoing for a number of years. Occurrences substantially rose in 2005.
Not one beautiful story, but two! Thank you Fawnskin and Victoria for making this a day to remember. It is barely spring here – lots of snow yet, but the sun is out making those glistening diamond thingies from the spring snow. There is nothing like spring in Alaska – you just never know when it’s going to actually happen! It teases me!
You both made me cry! There is good energy working its way to the villages and I am happy to be in the background, acting as a sounding board, writing letters & emails, writing “I heart Rural Alaska” on every side and top of my boxes sent to the bush, and whatever else is needed. There have been so many outstanding ideas & sharing of personal experiences put out by so many generous people, that it just makes my heart sing to be able to witness such wonderfulness.
Happy Easter Sunday to Everyone who celebrates the day!
Lovely story, just right for today, I added a few tears to my mid-morning coffee…take the sweet with the bitter…that’s what I’ve learned in this life, and I too am one who knows both sides [the giving & the receiving]. It’s hard to talk about either side, as you said, the heart is full…
the local CA newspaper has ads for Juneau Alasks tours…Will someone tell me the best time to visit Alaska, [June-Aug time frame]?
Fawnskin, that was a beautiful and touching letter that made me tear up as I read it. Then, as I read the comments, including Mike’s poignant story, that let loose the waterworks.
It’s so easy to despair over all that is wrong in the world. Thank you, Mudflatters, AKM, and Fawnskin for highlighting what is right in the world.
Peace to all.
Fawnskin and AKM beautiful story..As a child I was in a similar situation looking for wood because we could not afford coal.My dad lost a leg and was unable to work for quite some time so yes the oatmeal and watered down milk save us.To this day I cannot eat oatmeal or even look at instant milk. So yes this story brings back memories for many..I am just glad that AKM has this safe place for us to be,
I wanted to say to Mike my parents went thru tough times but once they made iy out the in turn have helped all of us kids,Grandchildren at one time or another as I am doing for my daughters and brothers and sisters what I can.For the most part Parents will always be there for you if they can be Take care all Happy Easter,Passover, to all.
Ann S & Mike
More lovely posts to lighten my day! I’m sorry I didn’t catch the first time, as the comment pages are still tricking me and I’m too dense to catch on about going back to the first pages of comments…
Tealwoman:
the local CA newspaper has ads for Juneau Alasks tours…Will someone tell me the best time to visit Alaska, [June-Aug time frame]?
I like to go in Augast because the misquitos are gone. Almost anytime in Augast, but I like the last two weeks of Augast, and September. That is just my personal prefrence. If you can, go and visit Homer. Homer is a great little town.
Tealwoman:
Now that doesn’t mean that Juneau is not great. I love Juneau, and you can go see the Mendenhall Glacier. My son in law grew up in Juneau. Not far from the Glacier.
(silent moment of gratitude)
Thank you all for a wonderful addition to Easter Sunday.
WfAK
As I sat here reading your story Fawnskin, I was reminded of my own life. The ups and downs, good times and hard ones too, thankful all the way for what little I have had over the years. Thankful for the people such as yourself that I have come across in dire times of need. And in times of plenty I could also emulate.
Thank you for sharing this story, thank you too for your warm heart and kind soul. Those who give to others in need simply because they can are a blessing upon all of us.
AKM , ANN , Vicroria & Mudpups
You all have given me tears & joy on this Easter Day with your stories. We truly are all connected as one. Have Faith that ALL things are possible if you believe. Life is the dancer and you are the dance.
Happy Easter Everyone ! !
tho ye speak with the tongues of angels and have not charity[love in its purist sense]……..these words echo though the years. i first heard them when i was just a little one. in those days my people were blessed with magnificent preachers and i was privileged to hear many of them. i am not now religious in any real sense of the word but i remember those words as if were today. thank you akm and all the beautiful mudpuppies. we did good. we will even do better as time goes on. akm is teaching us what to do in our own states and cities and towns. we need to let our own senators and governors and, and state legislators and congress people know that we mean business. we elected them to support our president and we will be watching…..
fawnskin you are beautiful….love b
Once again, Mudflats shows that community comes in many forms. During the election, those of us in political isolation, surrounded by racist, bigoted opponents of President Obama found community in an (originally) obscure blog from Alaska that refused to stoop to the verbally violent, destructive atmosphere of many political blogs.
But, in a more important way, AKM has also provided leadership in the community of caring. In reaching out to those less fortunate than us, we affirm our humanity and come to an understand of the true meaning of the community of man. THIS is why I have continued to read this blog, long after the election was over.
AKM, thank you so much for sharing this beautiful story today. It brought back memories of a long-ago neighbor, a garbage collector, who would bring home close-dated items the grocery stores threw out. He and his wife were poor in money but rich in spirit, and gladly shared what little they had with all the stray children and others less fortunate in the neighborhood. Nobody ever went away cold or hungry. Once, after my divorce, when I was working three jobs just to make the payments, and the cupboard was totally bare, he gave me a case of garlic-flavored bologna he had found. It was truly manna from heaven that kept me going for a few months. I can remember being ashamed when a friend opened my refrigerator and saw all I had was a half-loaf of bread, a half-jar of Miracle Whip, and the bologna, but at least I had that. Thank you Russ and Roni, wherever you are these days, and may God have blessed you as you have been a blessing to others.
May everyone have a splendid and love filled Easter !! Sasha and Malia are happy campers today !!http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/09/04/12/Meet-Bo-the-First-Dog/
Thanks for this post AKM and thank you Fawnskin for sharing your touching story.
I’d like you both to know that you made my Easter extra-special this year. I appreciated my family and our bounty much more.
oops.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/09/04/12/Meet-Bo-the-First-Dog/
This is the day that the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Thank you, each and every one of you. You have made each and every one of my days brighter.
God bless, and take good care — of yourself and of each other! Happy Easter!
Lovely story to share on Easter, Fawnskin.
It took me back to when my father was on strike as a steelworker. We received food each week from the union and we were always grateful for it. I don’t kow what we would have done without it. I have also come full circle and try to remember others who are in need and give to them. I’ve been there, too.
Thank you and Happy Easter.
Thank you, Fawnskin. Thank God, I haven’t been through anything like that — yet — , but it brought back my mother’s stories from her life in the 30′s, when she was a girl, like you, ashamed to be poor. As we slip into what may be a major economic depression, we need to find ways to build sharing communities. Government relief is necessary, but it’s a very inferior substitute from the point of view of both the giver and recipient. Wish I had an answer.
I too am a big fan of corned beef and for a similar reason. In the early sixties, my dad worked 3 jobs to keep us clothed, housed and fed. My parents would take a can of corned beef on Saturday night and open both ends, push the entire can’s contents onto a cutting board, slice it so it looked like a hamburger then fry the corned beef and eat it on white bread with ketchup.
The smell of Good corned beef frying in the pan always draws me back to a simpler time when we may have been a little hungry, but we knew that there was love in the can…
The story if the man wounded by an archer is told by the Buddha. It was his response to people who wanted to begin discussions of metaphysics and epistemology, rather than starting to follow the Eightfold Path leading to liberation from suffering. Basically the Buddha is asking whether you want to deal with the immediate, important issues (healing the wound, seeking liberation) or to engage in irrelevant distractions (finding out about the archer, chattering about matters that don’t lead to liberation).
Thanks for the positive thoughts as well, I didn’t mean to detract from the original post with my own story.
I’ve lived a colorful if not difficult life, and I’m only 29. Lots of road to travel yet, and as I have done always, I will be looking for ways to help others as I go.
I think whether or not you are thanked, or acknowledge for doing a good deed.. If there’s a charity infront of a supermarket, dig a little deeper into your pocket to give a little food. If there’s a cancer bucket at the checkstand, ask yourself if you really need that extra $0.58 rattling around in your car ash tray.. Or If someone else may need it.
A movie that really affected my life, and my outlook was “Pay it forward” and after wiki-searching it was attributed not to the author who wrote the book, which became a movie. But to Benjamin Franklin who wrote in a letter
“I do not pretend to give such a Sum; I only lend it to you. When you [...] meet with another honest Man in similar Distress, you must pay me by lending this Sum to him; enjoining him to discharge the Debt by a like operation, when he shall be able, and shall meet with another opportunity. I hope it may thus go thro’ many hands, before it meets with a Knave that will stop its Progress. This is a trick of mine for doing a deal of good with a little money.”
So All I do in my life, isn’t for my benefit really, it’s to give me the means to send it forward. If it’s buying some pasta and canned foods to give to the food bank for christmas, or pulling over to the side of the highway and taking a stranded person to the next exit… (Or loaning them my cellphone for that matter).. Or putting aside my cane for a few minutes, to help someone worse off than me load groceries into a car.
I think if it’s within my power, then I should grant it. I hope to contribute to the community here in the future
Thank you Mike, for coming back and sharing again.
Your mention of supermarket checkouts strikes especially close to home tonight. Our local grocery is collectiing money to assist two of their employees who were burned out of their apartment building earlier this weekend. I ended up donating more than I spent on the item I went to pick up in a panic in the middle of weekend cooking!
Too bad Costco didn’t have a national effort in place whereby someone in one state can designate a certain product for donation which can then be picked up by someone in Alaska. Just think of the possibilities.
I am so sorry to veer OT on such a lovely post, BUT Phil Munger reports:
Update – 7:50 p.m: The Alaska Report is now running a breaker:
Wayne Anthony Ross goes down the drain
Palin’s pick for Alaska’s Attorney General doesn’t have the votes.
If true, what an incredible Easter this has been!
Fawnskin~Thank you for a beautiful story…Brings back many memories..The bad i had to let go..Makes you a better person…Thank you AKM for having such a safe place to come to..Happy Easter all mudpuppies.(((HUGS)))
Great news if true, Lori.
It’s Monday here on the east coast… maybe Ross needs a new theme song.
I Don’t Like Mondays might be the perfect thing for him.
Excellent idea Sauerkraut!!! Get moving on it!!! And if you need help, count me in!
Maybe Snos can help us set up a website? This is SUCH a GREAT idea!
Is there any wonder why we all love the flats so much? We are a bunch of like-minded, kind hearted, and intelligent souls:)
Happy Easter everyone!
Sleep tight. We need our rest so we can ramp up for what should be a wild week with GINO. What would we do without AKM?
I absolutely CAN NOT wait to see footage of Gov Hooker Boots and RNC Chair Zoot Suit at the pro-life rally. It’s going to be the highlight of my week!
Yep, read it myself. We are no longer at W.A.R. The ham I over indulged earlier is somehow sitting much easier on my stomach now!
http://www.alaskareport.com/
ak dennis, NO ONE other than alaska report is verifying this and even there it is one line – I do not see how this could have happened on an Easter Sunday night. I am cautiously optimistic, but cautiously is the operative word.
True. But I really need a ray of light in our otherwise dismal political scene. If this turns out to be incorrect and he’s in fact confirmed I’ll issue a formal and heartfelt apology. Or just shoot myself in the effing head. Or move to Canda, eh?
My last comment looks snarky. I meant it as dark humor on my feellings of our politics. No offense meant.
no offense taken dennis. I sure WANT it to be true!
Update – 8:30 p.m: According to one Juneau source, just reporting in, the vote count, according to one legislator, was at 30-30 at 6:30 p.m. Keep those emails from constituents going!
The head count is going back and forth. Nothing is certain yet that I know of… The vote will be taken on Thursday. Very important to keep the pressure up. But Dennis’ report is heartening. AKM
Thank you, Fawnskin, for your heart-warming story. All of us, at one time or another, have been helped by others. I had the love and support of friends’ parents while my mom waged a valiant battle with breast cancer: diagnosed when I was 12; died when I was 19. And I have had the great privilege to pass on love and assistance to others.
And to Mike- be strong and keep up the hope. Love to you and your parents…I hope you can feel the warm hugs sent your way-
Mike from Everett Wa Says:
I agree; only I always say: pass it on:-)
New post. You guys are going to like this one.
AKM, thanks for posting this. It was a lovely way to finish Easter Sunday. Our girls and one son-in-law were here for dinner. And for all the complaining I’ve been doing lately about all sorts of aches and pains, none of which are serious, I was already feeling blessed to have a lovely family, a home, and all that I need.
So, Fawnskin, thank you for sharing your very personal and touching memories. Like others, it moved me to tears. But it is the kind of reminder that we all need. People need help, and they always will. But asking for help is never easy. The thing we need to remember is that when we see someone who needs food or warm clothing or just a smile, we need to help in any way we can – not because of ourselves, but because it’s the right thing to do. We may never know the impact of our actions, so hearing your story, fawnskin (and others) reminds us just how important it is to reach out to others, whether we are asked or just become aware of someone’s need.
Mike, in Everett WA – one thing you said really struck me; parents will always help if they can. You are so right. Our daughters are close to your age, and have been through some tight times, financially. We helped when we could, and were glad that we were able to do so.
The Mudflats has become an amazing community in a very short time. That’s thanks to AKM setting the tone of honesty and responsibility and openness. Yes, we can be a bit snarky with some of our comments, but when there is something that really needs to be done, all that falls away and people’s good hearts shine forth. The idea about Costco (or any grocery chain) taking donations to send to Alaska is great. Does anyone know how to even start that process?
Happy Easter everyone.
Great post, Fawnskin…..and everyone else!
I echo the other SoCal Mudstock mudpups in saying that Fawnskin and her husband are the real deal – Fawnskin, you have a heart of gold and now we know where it comes from. Happy Easter!
I am a pretty well off white male living in nice suburb with a nice family etc..
Having gone hungry and living around prostitution, alcoholism, etc. as a child has shaped my life in some interesting ways.
Aside from making one humble and sympathetic to others misfortunes it provides a lot of insight. One has to deal with the anger or rage that often come with these types of realities of course. It certainly helps understand the rage caused by extreme disparity.
Going hungry is the one thing that you never forget, unlike the other types of trauma.
One of the things I find interesting is how many assume that because of my gender, race, and situation in life that I have always enjoyed a sheltered middle class life. More than one has paid the price of sharing they’re bigotry,racism, or disregard for others deemed as valueless with me as a “trusted confidant”.
It is ironic but I feel that going hungry as child has made me a much better person in the long run.
This article was very touching. It reminded me to be thankful, and hopefully more generous. Thank you for sharing this Fawnskin.
@ Tealwomin:
April 12th, 2009 at 1:40 PM
“Will someone tell me the best time to visit Alaska, [June-Aug time frame]?”
========
I didn’t read everyone else’s comments, but –
I work in tourism. A lot of people like to come around the summer solstice (June 21), since then you have the maximum hours of daylight (about 22 hours per day where I live). Then again, if you don’t really care whether you can read a magazine at 2 a.m., August is nice — the bugs are gone, at least. However, at least in my part of AK, August can also be very rainy and cold. Your pick!
Just a little .02. Come to Eagle – little remote town on the Yukon with lots of good history.
Thanks for sharing your poignant and beautiful story Fawnskin. So MANY stories also in the comments. But it serves to give us strength and commitment to keep ‘paying it forward’.