Writing from the top of the world in Alaska affords a unique viewpoint of "the lower 48" and the world around us. This document serves as a preamble for those curious about the context in which the out flowing of words in "United We Float" came about. A few of the events occurred after the November writing, but are included here to fully comprise the essence of the times as the year came to a close.

As far as 2008 goes, "surreal" has been the word for it: The coldest summer & autumn on record up here, the worst housing market for selling nationwide, the nightmare mortgage "derivatives", world stock markets plunging & IRAs taking a huge hit, comparisons to the Great Depression, unprecedented worldwide financial cooperation, McCain choosing AK governor Palin, Nancy Pelosi’s dramatic faux pas invoking more disaster, AK Senator Stevens proceedings, the sky-high then low oil prices that directly impact this state, a security guard trampled to death at WalMart down there, auto execs going to Washington in 3 private jets to ask for public assistance, banks who got funds still paying executive bonuses, so many foreclosure notices and so many pink-slips going out nationwide . . .

. . . and yet, I can feel the gathering strength from those having faith that a young president-elect, who seems to be a studious, responsible old soul, can calmly turn it all around. And, to escape their unfathomable worries, I see folks just focusing on what kind of hypo-allergenic dog might be selected for the children who will still have to do their chores while they live in the White House, and a little girl who hopes to have "big thoughts" if she studies at the desk in the Lincoln bedroom.

And for me? . . . just the same worries as everyone else caught in the stagnant home sale market, and an unforeseeable trip to the ER. While there, finding out I might die, comforting my friend, doing DNR paperwork, hearing prayers over the intercom in the ER, being swaddled with toasty blankets freshly 'baked' in a blanket warmer (the kindheartedness of a patient's bequest), learning of Obama’s grandmother’s passing, willing the little droplets of the IV antibiotics to work their magic or I might not see history made either, and having such proficient doctors and nurses care for me in what seemed to be a most unlikely, far-away place for it. Yep, "surreal" gets my vote!

On the morning of that special Election Day I couldn’t even remember that I was a registered voter, but the pain was subsiding and my blood work was improving. From the last time zone on the mainland, I watched the historic results on TV — just like so many were doing all around the globe via TVs and PCs and every kind of electronic device. And during these days of resting and waiting, I reflected on all of these things and the crucial times we face. I had surgery, returned home, and wrote down the thoughts that I had formulated – United We Float – my words of hope for us all. Please take a few minutes to read them.

For we are all in the same boat – united we float!

xoxoxo,
Therese
Anchorage, AK