My father died yesterday in Anchorage, Alaska. He was a World War II veteran and a Commercial Fisherman in Alaska. He was funny, passionate, and severely wounded by his war experience.  His Post Tramatic Stress and subsequent chemical dependency made a good many of his years difficult for him, my mother and all those around him. My mother cared for him throughout his struggles and managed to be able to keep him safe at home until the end. She remained with him over 50 years through many good times and also through addictions, PTSD, many dozens of surgeries and over the last 1/2 dozen years progressing Alzheimer’s Disease.  The blessing of that disease is that he seemed to forget the war and drinking.  He was finally at peace.

I went birding with a wonderful group today. We saw great birds, laughed a lot, enjoyed the scenery and off and on I had powerful thoughts of my mom and dad.  He taught me an enjoyment of people, the outdoors and a deep passion for wildlife and the natural sciences. In spite of his profound pain he passed on a sensitivity and passion that will always be with me. Mom has taught me to commit and to keep your word

Thank you Dad. Thank you Mom.

Jo