Friday, September 19, 2008, Anchorage, Alaska~

Dear Journal~

Mattaq here.  Sorry if I haven't written; have been trying to have some semblance of normalcy while my sister continues to recover in the hospital here in Anchorage.  It has only been a few short weeks, but it feels like several months.

Happily, Sikik is eating solid foods again.  Of course, I have to help her, but at least she's eating again.  It is  most encouraging to see.  She's also in a regular hospital room:  she can have visitors now during visiting hours, and those who have stopped by are pleased to see how well she is doing.

I have been trying to pack up my things, so when we can go back home to Barrow, we can go without hauling a lot of extra stuff.  My brother Matu has come by, volunteered to take some of my stuff back to Barrow, so I won't have so much extra baggage when we do return back home.  I will have enough with Sikik and her medical supplies!

Sikik has been enjoying seeing our brothers, sisters again; they are only sorry she's been so ill, and are saddened to see the deterioation in her health, in regards to her multiple sclerosis.  When she returns back home, she will need skilled nursing care, something that Barrow doesn't offer; the nearest city is Fairbanks, and that will be very expensive.  I don't know how we are going to be able to afford the medical care that my sister needs!

Sikik can't walk, and she will need help with eating, her toilet, getting dressed/undressed, even with her bathing.  Her MS has progressed; and she may very well end up on hospice care.  Doctors still think she will die within the year, but hopefully Sikik will prove them wrong; she's proving that now.  She has such a strong spirit, will to survive; I've never seen anyone face such adversity like she has in the last few months!

I have alerted friends about my sister; they have been sending gifts and cards, even have gone as far as giving us money, which we really don't need (but appreciate).  They have been praying continually around the clock for her; I think this is one of the main reasons why Sikik is still alive.

Well, I am going to go; it's about time for Sikik to eat, so I will help her with her lunch.  I will write again soon; don't know how long Sikik will remain here, but I am more than ready to go back home to Barrow, and I am sure Sikik is, too!  Take care, and may the Great Spirit bless you abundantly!

~Regards, Mattaq. :)