Barrow, Alaska, 3:16 p.m., Alaska Time~
Dear Journal~
I know it has been a long while sine I last wrote in here, but my health prevented me from doing so. For a while, I was extremely sick. I almost died. I have developed kidney failure and now require dialysis three times a week, but am finally starting to feel a little bit better. In addition to that, I have diabetes and have had to change my eating habits and way of life.
It has been very hard at best, but with help from the Great Spirit, I WILL make it. I've GOT to; I'm an Eegeesiak; we Eegeesiaks are tough!! :)
I just wish my sister Sikik had been, but her sickness (multiple sclerosis) was far stronger; she just couldn't fight it. Multiple sclerosis claimed Sikik nearly five years ago; there isn't a day where I don't miss her or don't think of her. Sikik lives on in my heart and I will always love and remember her.
I had been working, but now that I am sick, I can't work any longer. Maybe it is just as well: the convenience store where I work was full of stress. I have since signed up to get government assistance, but with the current government shut down, there is no telling HOW long THAT will take. I'm just glad that I have friends who can help me if I run out of the things I need. I am still very worried deep down about my future and about this damned government situation ...
The northern lights season has started; this past week they were particularly active. In the Lower 48, auroral displays have been reported as far south as the Oklahoma/Texas border! I know they have been putting on quite a show here in the Arctic!
Well, I am going to lie down: I am feeling weak and sleepy. Seems that is all I ever do: sleep or lie down. The dialysis treatments have really been hard on my energy levels! They seem to take so much out of me!
I will write in here again soon; just keep me in your thoughts and say some prayers to the Great Spirit (or whomever you so believe in) on my behalf; I would greatly appreciate your prayers or good thoughts!
~Mattaq Eegeesiak.
