Wednesday, August 1, 2018

   It's interesting the things you learn about yourself in the culture of others.
   Being raised on an Alaskan homestead with my upbringing on her seas has brought me into the way of life and the history of several nations, especially from the Irish and Native American heritage of my family. 
   Other predominant cultures that proved to be of considerable influence came from the German family I grew up with, the Russia villages of Homer and Kodiak I lived with, and the Norwegians and Eskimo cultures, in addition to several families from the Philippines, that I worked with in the fishing industry. It made for a lively interaction of ideas and growth I could not have enjoyed any other way, and an appreciation of their ways of life whenever I had the privilege to be overseas. Many of these also became friends over the years of my travels later, often in unusual ways. Who, for example, who expect that an Irishman in the Arctic would become lifelong friends with an Englishman? Or with a wonderful family and their Pups from Maine in the vastness of Montana and Wyoming? Such is the quality these rich experiences have given me in life, and I treasure them.
                                                       
 
   As I've reviewed the working of this blog, I've taken the time to study the culture of those countries which have been reviewing me, and learned even more of the similarities we share. A recent one being Estonia, which I've learned has a very rich and ancient northern heritage very similar to the Arctic people in many ways, but especially in how well they have adapted and advanced through a changing and modernizing world. Both have taken themselves from a rugged past and through education and self industry, launched themselves as leaders into a path of world industrial and technological advancement. 
   It's really quite amazing when you consider what they've been through to achieve what they have. You would expect that kind of technological expertise from the Germans, for example, who have held an edge amongst European nations for quite some time in many fields. And the Russian culture has, at least with those I grew up with, demonstrated an amazing resilience in some of the harshest living conditions of the northern hemisphere.
   It's the example of these families around me through my life that has kept me going when so much else doesn't seem to make sense. And helps me to appreciate what I have, given me of their worth in life - and substance in living it.
   Beaufort and I took that in, as we walked in the quiet mists of his first August morning together. Life isn't just what you make of it - it's often what it gives to you. 
   And the gratitude you show in wisely sharing that gift with others. 
   Beaufort helps me to remember that each time he eagerly greets me, every time he joyfully runs the beaches with me - and each night we are allowed the privilege of one more peaceful evening together. That is something not everyone enjoys - which hurts me to know, from experience.
   But as I learn how other nations learn to care for each other and pull themselves ahead, I find hope from my youth that just maybe, someone else has found fulfillment today, too - and is enjoying peace tonight. - WKBD