Photo courtesy of Chris Krejca
Photo courtesy of Cyndy Ussing
Yesterday I was informed that a friend was sent to Anchorage due to worsening health conditions related to lung cancer. Last night her grown son, Ulric, and her two high school boys (Kash and Conor) flew to the city to be by her side. Today she passed away around noon, surrounded by family.
Lena was a strong woman. She taught at Chevak School for many years. In fact, she was supposed to retire at the end of next year. She was wife to Harry and she was mom to Angelique, Ulric, Casey, Cody, Kash, and Conor. She was friend and mentor to many.
Lena was our "steam" partner out here. She loved taking steams and it was an honor to be invited. This was a relaxing time. A time where often I sat listening, not doing too much talking. It was here where she shared her culture, her heart, and her friendship.
It is amazing to me that people can be put in your life for even for a short time and make such a difference. Lena has been a significant piece in my short time here in Chevak. I loved that she cared about who I am and where I come from. She was a good listener.
So much of her journey reminds me of my dad. I think I appreciated her even more because she let me talk about my dad. And she knew that was good and she gave me hope for longings that I hold in my heart. Lena had a lot of faith.
I feel so privileged to have been a part of her life, even if only for a short while. She will always be a part of my life. Taking steams and berry-picking will never again be the same. But, in them she will be remembered and honored.
The community of Chevak will mourn for they have lost a pillar in their community. I am glad that she no longer suffers, but my heart is heavy for her family and friends. Life is too short and those we value and love should know it while they are here.
This is the fourth funeral we have had in Chevak since August, and I can't quite explain the grieving and mourning here. But, I am really thankful to be a part of this community. I am on a journey and sometimes it is bittersweet.
Lena, thank you for our "steams;" thank you for sharing your culture with me.
I found the following link just a few minutes after posting this blog. Every bit of it is true.
http://thetundradrums.com/news/show/4952
Today was Lena's funeral in Chevak. So much of me wanted to share with everyone my story of how I got to know her, but I couldn't quite bring myself to share my little stories with the people that had known her for a lifetime. So, I thought I'd share it here...
ReplyDeleteI wasn't fortunate to have known Lena for as long as others in Chevak. But I am grateful for having the pleasure of getting to know her in the short time that I have been here. I didn't know Lena through school. I didn't work with her because she taught middle school and I teach elementary. And neither of us ate in the teacher's lounge for lunch, so our paths didn't much cross at the school; however, I was fortunate to get to know Lena's oldest son and his family and through this friendship I met Lena. She invited us to take a "steam" with her on several occasions. Our first time, my roommate and I were kind of giggly and nervous because this meant we were going to be nude in front of not only each other, but also another co-worker whom we hardly knew at the time. The giggles quickly subsided and we immediately began to learn more about Lena and her culture. Sometimes steams can get very hot. So Lena told us to go ahead and step out to "take a fresh air" if we got too hot. Well, we got too hot and we stepped out. Only, instead of stopping in the arctic entryway we went outside to "take a fresh air!" As we stood there in our towels, we looked around, took in a deep breath of fresh air, and said, "Wow, so this is Chevak." Abruptly, Lena's voice came from in the steam house saying, "Come in, get back in here girls." We didn't talk too much more about this, but the next morning when her daughter-in-law asked how we did, Lena slowly replied, "They went all the way out." (: This is one of my favorite memories of Lena. She still invited us back to take steams with her, and most of the time we just relaxed and shared stories and thoughts. Lena let me talk about my dad and how much I miss him and wish he could see me now. She would tell me about how he can, and maybe one day he will show that when I need him to, as her dad had once done before. She was a woman of faith.
If I had realized how close to death Lena was when I met her, I don't know that I would have allowed myself to get close to her. It is easy for me to believe that I would have been to afraid to love someone and to have to say goodbye. But, I am glad I didn't know. If I had, I might have missed out on meeting one of the strongest women I have ever known.
Misty your blog is so awesome! This is Cody, Ula's brother. Can't wait to see you this may! We have to hang out more for sure!
ReplyDeleteMisty, your blog is so awesome! We totally have to hang out when I go back in May!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cody! I am glad you found this. It is a way to share my life in Chevak with my family and friends. We absolutely have to hang out when you get back- it was fun taking you to see if the "Boyscouts were yaraqing!" hee hee hee.
ReplyDeleteLol, "huh? what? YEA!" (the little boys came closer, and stopped, closer and stop not know what to do looking around and itching their heads) too funny.
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