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A Letter To Louie In Tennessee: A Letter From Sikik Grace Eegeesiak in Alaska by Karen Lynn Vidra, The Texas Tornado
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
Rated "G" by the Author.
Sikik Grace Eegeesiak, Louisiana Sandusky's Inuk friend in cold, frozen Barrow, Alaska, answers her Tennessee friend's latest email.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005, 12:35 p.m., Alaska Time~
Dear Louie~
Hello from the cold, frozen north! How are things going for you down there in warm Tennessee? (I use the term loosely; seems that it is a bit too warm for my Inuk blood to handle! LOL) Hope all is well with you!
I was sorry to hear that you are having surgery in a few weeks, but I AM glad that you are having something done for your back troubles. All I can do is pray to my gods and ask for their guidance and protection upon you as you undergo the surgery. You have been so kind to pray to your God, Jesus, and I have felt your prayers and your love; and I really appreciate the kindness and love you have shown me, especially since the death of my mother!
I loved the picture of the Inuk woman and her baby you put on your letter; looks like something I see on an everyday basis up here! LOL Where do you find such interesting things to put on your letters, and how do you do it? I have my brother, Mattaq, who is "computer-smart", do that for me, I don't know much about computers except how to type letters on and then save them! LOL Oh, and I do know how to turn them on and how to get on the Internet! LOL Originally, when I do my letters, they don't have pictures on them, but then my brother comes, and I tell him to find me a picture, and he does the rest. I don't know about that stuff yet, but I am eager and willing to learn! :)
It is still cold here in Alaska, and in a few weeks, aurora season will begin in earnest. I wish I could have your Ronee' up here; she'd love seeing the lights! I still wish Johnny could come here; I really would love to see him again! No, his health problems don't scare me; I took care of my sick, elderly mother, for gosh sakes, and I am still taking care of my father; and he isn't a young man anymore! I may have a bit of a problem with the wheelchair and the oxygen, but we'll worry about that when the time comes you know? He seems like a very nice little boy who just has had a raw deal in life, and I think a trip to Alaska would be very good--not to mention, very educational!--for him! I do hope you reconsider and let Johnny come to Alaska, I would be more than happy to put him up and take care of him! And I know he'd love meeting my brothers and sisters and also Father!
I bet your daughter, Ronee', looks cute in her parka, gloves, and mukluks! So she has had walrus and whale, eh? Maybe she is Inuk in spirit, perhaps?? But even if she isn't Inuk by birth, she is Inuk in heart and spirit, and that is what makes her special. I just love your daughter, Ronee'; she is too cute, and she is so friendly! I also love your son Johnny; he is also very cute, and he may be shy, but I am sure he is a very good kid!
The blanket toss IS a lot of fun; we do it a lot at Inuit festivals and gatherings, and I always love to get involved in a good jump, you know?? Did you know that this was originally used for hunters to look for prey? It's true ! We Inuk are very resourceful (and smart!) people, and we know how to react in all situations! You ought to try it one day, I can just see you being tossed high into the air by my friends! They would really enjoy watching your reaction! I know I would! LOL We also have wrestling and strength contests, and we have native Alaskan singing and dancing contests, and the music is so lively and fun to listen to! I will send you tape of Inuit music if you want! Is that okay??
Have you managed to get all your emails answered by now? I hope so; I know it is hard to get caught up with all those children you are raising; but I am glad you still try to make an attempt to write when you can! You are a very good person, and I am glad I am your friend. I talk to my friends here all the time about you, and they would very much love to meet you and get to know you as I do. You are an angel lady, and you have a very kind and loving heart!
Well, Louie, I must go: Father is up; he is announcing that he is hungry, so I will get him some salmon and walrus for him to eat, and I will make him some warm coffee. He loves coffee; personally, I can't stand it..it smells good, yes, but when you drink it, it tastes just like dirt, and it tastes disGUSting! ICK! I am glad Father is eating again; I have been so worried about him since Mother's death...I am trying to eat too, but it is hard when my heart is breaking...well, my eyes are getting wet again, so I must go, or I will mess this up, and then you'll be mad...Bye for now!
(((HUGS))) and love from Alaska, your Inuk friend, Sikik Grace. :(
Yankee Doodle Daddy is a historical Appalachian Family Saga. The story follows a mother's reckoning as she struggles to survive and keep her four daughters alive.
Tuesday, February 15, 2005, 12:35 p.m., Alaska Time~
