Raised by the Midnight Sun Book 2: The journey of growing up Alaskan, one season at a time.

Life

Chapter One

An Alaskan Re-Design

It’s been a few weeks since Easter Sunday. Technically it’s still spring but in Alaska when the snow melts, it’s break-up. So summer is here. The nice warm weather has banished winter for the next few months. We’ve already had a few days that have been over 70 degrees. I’m enjoying wearing my shorts and tank tops. The long dark winter can take a toll. Not getting much sunlight tends to depress a soul and cause a body to lag. After our hibernation, Alaskans have a yearning for the heat of the sun on our skin. No matter how long a person lives here, or how much they have gotten used to the cold, Alaskans spend most of the year chilled. So when the hot summer sun is out, we are too, sucking up as much as we can!

Bear dog and I have been walking everywhere. Just to get out in the sun. We walk by Olivia’s new cabin every day. I get jittery just thinking about getting started. I’m still amazed at the love of our community for coming out and helping, but more so in awe of Mr. Thomas. How he just gave Ms. Ruth a home for her family. Not much has been done to the cabin though. Everyone has been busy after Easter weekend. Break-up is a busy time in Alaska. I’ve seen Mr. Thomas hauling junk away a few times.

Today is the day! Everyone will be here to get things started. Ms. Ruth and the kids have been preparing for their move to their permanent home. It’s going to be nice having kids around to grow up with. I’m looking forward to a great summer. Just getting to know their family and showing them around our world, it promises to be an adventure.

The heat of the sun gently woke me this morning, warming the cheek that faced the window. The sounds of laughter outside stirred me into action. I stretched hard. First my legs, arching my back, then lifted my arms up into the ray of sunshine that lingered above me. Relaxing I tried to recognize the source of the fun creeping in the cracks of our A-frame, but they were too muffled. I pressed my face on the warmed sheets where the sun rested. My eyes opened, yet only to a squint. The sun shone too bright. I sat up quickly to avoid its rays. As I looked out the window, the smell of eggs filled my nose, and my stomach rolled with hunger.

Down by the woodshed JJ stood with David and four other boys. Their backs were turned. I couldn’t tell who they were. So I shrugged my shoulders and turned to get dressed. Work clothes it would be, lots to do today. Everyone is meeting after breakfast. I want to help Olivia and her family as much as I can. It feels so good to do for others. Excitement filled my empty tummy then fell to my feet. Quickly running in place, I let out an, "EEEEE," and hurried down to eat breakfast.

As I made my way down the ladder, the smell of fresh hot coffee welcomed me. Mom sat at the table, my plate already across from her. The entryway door was open, and Mom hadn’t opened the curtains yet, so it was chilly inside.

Good morning Mom, I said sitting down.

Morning Spring, she said swallowing a drink of her coffee and lowering her cup. The cool air gave the steam from her coffee a soft form as it rose up in front of her face.

Who’s that outside with JJ? I asked then offered a silent prayer over my food.

Oh, all the older boys from church have come out to do yard work down at Ruth’s place. They’re going to get all that tall grass cut so the older men can get in there and start fixing the structural issues, Mom’s eyes smiled when she spoke. I just nodded and smiled back as I ate my scrambled eggs and toast. The first thing is replacing that old porch, it’s a death trap. I’m so excited for Ruth and her children. They needed some stability, with everything they’ve been through.

I know it’s so exciting! I can’t wait to see what the cabin looks like when we’re done with it! It will be just fine for them! I exclaimed rubbing my last piece of toast around the plate picking up the flavor left from the eggs. Well Mom, I’m going to get down there and see what I can do, I said kissing her forehead and putting my plate in the dish pan.

Ok honey, you come get me if they need my help or if Ms. Ruth shows up, she put her cup on the counter and closed her robe around her. I’ll be bringing lunch down for everyone later.

I will, I grunted as I bent to put my shoes on. See ya Mom! I skipped out the door but stopped just a step beyond. Whoa! Like shampoo in the shower, the sun burned my eyes. Dead in my tracks, my eyes clenched shut from instinct. Tears from both eyes raced down my cheeks, dropping to my shirt. Slowly my eyes adjusted. My ears though, heard the laughter loud and clear, yet this time I knew the laughter was directed at me.

Good morning’ Dracula! Muuaahhhaa! JJ said as I turned to look in his direction.

You’re very funny! I fussed. Hopping down the stairs I walked past the boys with a shake of my leg, kicking dirt as I headed down the road towards the cabin. I’m going to get to work, no need to waste time just standing around on a nice summer day like this. I could see all of them start moving from the corner of my eye.

We were just headed down there ourselves, we’ll walk with you. JJ said as he caught up to me.

He soon fell behind with his friends and they were all talking. I tried not to listen, but couldn’t help it. They were comparing how much work they were going to be able to do without stopping. Guys, why does everything have to be a competition?

A girl can do just about as much as a guy, and we actually have better endurance when our bodies are tired, at least that’s what Mom says. She says it’s because we are made to become mothers, and mothers have to have great endurance. I admit there are a lot of things JJ can do that I can’t, but I can surly do my share. He’s also more daring than me. I’m nowhere near as courageous as he is. I do try my best though, daring once in a while.

I’ll race ya there! JJ yelled, as all the guys ran past me. They were gone!

David is fast. He beat them all. Standing in front of the cabin, bent over grabbing his knees breathing hard by the time the next guy got there. Even with his big feet fumbling along the way, JJ came in third. John, one of the boys from church slipped on his big feet near David and skidded across the gravel like he just made a home run. I giggled and all the guys were laughing so loud the adults stopped what they were doing to look their way. My smile occupied my face the rest of the way to the cabin.

It’s such a beautiful day. The ground spotted shades of green, orange and brown from the low blueberry bushes. Bear dog had meandered up beside me so I walked petting the top of his head. Taking my time to daydream about blueberry picking, I watched the sky. It was soaked in light blue, with barely a fluff of white. The birds were chirping as the smell of summer floated through the air.

Cars and trucks lined our road. More than I’ve ever seen. More people too. They gathered around lawn mowers. Some held trimming shears. Others had bags of gravel leaned against their trucks. The women were setting up a table on the other side of the road by Mr. Thomas’ driveway. Tea, coffee, and cookies were set out in a delicious buffet. Filled with so much joy I could barely contain it, I skipped over to the table.

Mrs. Hill was the only one left by the table when I got there. She looked so pretty in her yellow button-up shirt, the sleeves rolled up to the elbows. It made her creamy brown skin look like those caramel candies Mom gets at Christmas. She was wearing jeans rolled at the bottom, the cuff just sat on the top of her work boots, and a big straw hat shielded her eyes from the sun. When I grow old I hope to be that young.

Ms. Spring Flower Johnson, how nice to see you this mornin,’ Mrs. Hill said as she reached out to grab my arms and hug me close. Are you here to help out?

Yes Ma’am, I answered hugging her back. A person always knew they are loved when they got a hug from Mrs. Hill, she squeezes love into ya!

Well us women are goin’ to be doin’ the touch up work, after the men go in and make a way for us, she said as she put out some Styrofoam cups. They’re goin’ to cut that tall grass and then dig a driveway. They’ll be fillin’ it with gravel and everything. What a blessin’ child, to witness such a miracle in your own back yard, she patted my back and got some napkins from a box. You could see if the other teenagers need any help, I guess they’re doin’ the markin’ of what stays and goes of the bushes and trees. Ms. Ruth made a map of what she wanted to stay last night when we brought her to look at it again.

It felt good to be grouped with the teenagers even though I still have one more year. It sure is going to be a long day if we are going to be doing all that. I’m ready for it though, we don’t get much entertainment here in the Goldstream Valley. This is big.

I didn’t know Ms. Ruth was here last night, I would have come down and said hello, I said as I took one of the homemade cookies from the table. I think I will go see if the teenagers need any help, see ya later Mrs. Hill! I shoved the cookie in my mouth, filling it to the brim. I almost choked trying to chew it up. I felt like JJ. Oh what a hog! I don’t want to act like him.

You have fun Spring Flower and don’t you work too hard! Mrs. Hill yelled as I ran to join the other kids, I mean teenagers. Ha, sounds good when I say it.

Great Spring Flower, JJ said as I walked up to the group gathered by the far end of the road. Since you know every flower that will come back every year, we need you to find and mark them. We will transplant them where Ms. Ruth wants them. Okay? I shook my head yes as he divvied up the tasks. JJ was a pretty good leader, I was kind of proud of him, and stood taller beside him. Once everyone had a job, sticks and ribbon were handed out as markers.

Dad just got back in town from up north last night. I think everyone wanted to wait for him anyway, because he’s a contractor, and he knows a lot about the work that needs to be done on the cabin.

John’s dad, Bill and my dad showed up while we were working. Bill rode a big John Deere tractor pulling a trailer full of wood. My favorite tractor in the world! The yellow and green color, on such a strong machine, I know I sound like a boy, but I don’t care. I dream of owning one, one day. Bill works on the roads in town. I guess he works for the city of Fairbanks. This tractor wasn’t from work though. I could tell it was his. It was old and beat up, but still an awesome machine.

We marked wild rose hip bushes, rhubarb plants, raspberry bushes, trees and even a small blueberry patch. Since summer just started a lot of the plants haven’t grown big enough to really be seen beneath the tall grass. So I had to dig to find last year’s wild irises and fireweed. The soil around them could still be dug up and be replanted. Even the trees can be transplanted, if she wants them moved. Once everything was marked and was cleared from the main mess of tall grass and weeds, the young guys came in with sheers, cutting the high grass down.

It took quite a while for the grass to be low enough to be cut with a mower. It hadn’t been cut in years. When it was low enough, the next group started. Into the yard they went, getting up as much of the downed grass as they could. The women, young and old, carried the grass to the back of pickup trucks. Some with wagons or arm loads, others with just a few pieces, but all of us were working together. New people were showing up all along. There were familiar faces and many I had never seen. It seemed everyone knew what their job was.

When the mowers started everyone cheered, like we had started them with our mind or something. While they mowed, I took a break. Most on break were lined on the opposite side of the street, drinks in hand. They leaned against some of the skinny spruce trees, trying to find shade. The summer sun was hot on our heads. All of us had sweat either on our foreheads, or noses. Many of us had both. Since the sun is still hot we don’t have to deal with the mosquitos yet. I found a spot on the same side as the cabin, just further down the road, in the blueberry patch. The tundra was cool and the trees shaded my spot completely. The freshly cut grass filled my nostrils with its sharp flavor. It was wonderful. Closing my eyes, I breathed deep.

After a short rest for my eyes, I watched everything from a distance. Like some intricate ballet, each step was deliberate, and each person resting was on high alert. Though they were talking and closing their eyes, they knew when it was their turn to stand up and step back in. As soon as the mowers shut off, it was back to the young men to rake the leftover grass, and the women to load up the wet mounds into their wagons.

I joined them. Each woman did it her way, every wagon was different. Some were little red ones, others used to be. Some woman had wheel barrels, some had wagons their husbands or sons had built by hand from whatever lay around. Scoop and pull, scoop and pull. When we reached the other end of the yard, the men were already starting their mowers. We pulled our wagons, mine, a little red one, to the trucks, the young men dumped them in.

Songs were being sung, like, Amazing Grace and I Am on the Battle Field. Mom showed up as the tractor started. The trailer was unhitched, and brought to the front of the cabin. Dad and Bill were in charge of that, and they worked with the other older men. Mom brought fresh baked bread already sliced, and moose soup. Bill’s wife brought some pies and biscuits with homemade blueberry jelly. Don’t tell, but hers is much better than Moms. Everyone found a place to sit and eat. Mr. Hill said a short prayer and all was quiet, as food filled our faces.

Once the first bites were swallowed the conversations began about what should be done next. Replanting, digging, there was still a lot to do. I looked at the cabin and it already looked like someone loved it. With the grass cut down, and flowers trimmed around, the yard looked huge, and I could imagine Olivia’s siblings playing there. I wasn’t the only one who stopped to admire the changes. At the end of his driveway, Mr. Thomas stood, his right hand resting on his hip, a smile on his face.

Dad said there was no real easy way to do this. They had to build the driveway up to the level of the house, for Ms. Ruth to have easy access. The plow on the front of the tractor wasn’t very big and the tractor was pretty old, but it sure looked like it could get the job done. Dad said they were going to move the outhouse too. That will be a very stinky nasty job. I think they need to fix the roof on it, just like the cabin.

Alright Bill I’m gonna need ya to push some of this blubbery patch on the right side of the property over here on top of this low spot in front, Dad said as he pointed this way and that. A lot of the people were up on their feet and stretching back into go. We need to think about how this will work in the winter. We don’t want too big of a slope that the family will be sliding down the driveway, if we get another ice storm like last year. Everyone was listening to Dad speak, some put in their ideas, and the work began.

Two hours passed by the time the driveway was finally done. It had been built up, packed down, built up again, and packed down again. Over and over they repeated this, while the women dug up and replanted most of the plants. Some of the taller boys trimmed the trees. I watched as the dusty gravel filled the driveway and the walkway to the front porch. It looked really nice. When the railroad ties were laid on the sides to keep the gravel in, it looked like some of the fancy driveways in town. I stood back from the road and just looked at the little cabin that was being transformed into a home, and I felt a tear fill my eye. Instead of wiping it away I let it roll down my cheek. These were happy tears.

Ms. Ruth and the kids showed up not long after the driveway was done. Olivia took advantage of my not paying attention and ran up behind me and grabbed my sides.

RAHH! She yelled. Not only did I jump but I screamed! Of course there was laughing and giggling from every direction. HAHAHA, sorry Spring, she said patting my shoulder.

Olivia, when did you get here? I blurted turning to hug her.

We just got here a few minutes ago. It sure looks nice doesn’t it? When she spoke she was turned away from me, so all I heard were her words. I couldn’t see the look on her face. Yet I could feel how very emotional she was. This is a dream come true for us. My family has been so excited, and this, wow, this is way more than I could have imagined.

I know, I have been in awe all morning, I love it. I said walking toward Ms. Ruth and my mom. Ms. Ruth seemed stronger, and she looked wonderful. Mom and her were talking and smiling. With the sun shining through the patches of her short black hair it looked almost purple. Our hug revealed that she had gained some weight. Hi Ms. Ruth, how are you today? I asked pulling away.

I am so blessed honey, just look at this wonderful blessing transforming before our eyes! She spoke with tears and joy in each word.

We stood and talked as we watched one of the trucks full of lumber back into the driveway. All the older men unloaded, and began the repairs on the steps and the old porch that Mom called a death trap. I hadn’t realized that JJ had left until I saw him and David riding up on ATVs. David was riding a three wheeler that someone had given the family. They were able to return the other wheeler to the man that owned the old hunters cabin.

Hey Mom, David and I were wondering if we could ride up to the store to get some sodas? JJ asked when he came to a stop inches from us. It was a great day for a ride, it was so hot. The wind would feel good blowing through my hair.

We wanna go too! Olivia and I said before either of the moms could answer JJ. We both begged to go while the boys begged that we didn’t. Our moms just listened and laughed.

You boys can go, but you have to take your sisters, Mom said after a whisper in Ms. Ruth’s ear. They laughed again.

The boys let out grunted sighs. Olivia and I jumped for joy and thanked them. Although the boys didn’t like it, they told us to get on the back, and we did. Mom gave JJ some money and we were off.

We rode by the other teenagers that were sitting around. Of course they all wanted to go, but no one else had a wheeler. A few of them gave JJ money to get them some sodas too. By the time we started on our way I was wet with sweat. Even though it was close to four in the afternoon, the sun was still just as hot as it was at noon. Instead of riding up the dirt roads and coming out on Goldstream Road, JJ wanted to show David a shortcut.

We rode the ATVs through the woods up behind Mr. Thomas’ cabin. JJ had already traveled this way all spring so there was a path to follow. The grass was as tall as we were except where it laid down in the width of wheeler tires. With no big trees in this area, I felt like an ant making my way through someone’s yard.

It’s boggy out here, an Alaska swamp. Though summer had begun, the ground in this area is still soaked from melted snow. So as we rode, the tires sloshed and spit muddy water up onto the sides of the wheelers and our legs. If we were going slower the mosquitos would be fierce too. A lot of water equals a lot of mosquitos! This is their breeding ground.

The ride was great! I almost told JJ to slow down a few times but I didn’t want to spoil the fun. Climbing the big hill is scary enough to take my breath. Olivia’s laughter bumped through the air between us. Though we were yelling back and forth our words weren’t really heard. We didn’t need to hear the words though. The joy filled our faces. This is the first time Olivia has really just rode for fun. The only other time she even rode a wheeler was this spring when she came with David to our place.

Our wheels crested Goldstream Road by Big Eldorado Creek. We had to ride the road until we passed the bridge, staying off to the side as much as we could. Soon this area will be blanketed with the bright purple of fireweed flowers. Until then we weave through their soaring green stalks, stroked by their long pointed leaves. Like a painters brush adding us to summers canvas.

I reached out grabbing some. Filling my hands with the leaves, I lifted my arms above my head, letting them fly. I watched as they were lifted, twirling through the same breeze blowing through my hair. The sun’s rays seeped in my shirt, warming my back. I looked at David and Olivia riding right beside us. I’m so thankful JJ and I finally have friends to enjoy life with.

Where is the store anyway? Olivia yelled as we neared Ballaine Road.

Not much further, JJ said pointing. It is just a little past the church. The store’s not big. It’s small with one gas pump. They sell things like bread and milk, but mostly just small stuff. I like getting the big pickles they have in a jar on the counter, they are sooo good.

I was ready to get off the wheeler, when we turned on Trice Road by the long row of mailboxes. You really have no idea there are so many people living out here until you see a row of mailboxes like this. There are cabins tucked and hidden beyond the trees all over.

JJ pulled right up to the front of the store, shaded by the gas pump roof. It’s nice to be out of the sun for a minute. We all jumped off the ATVs and stretched before we headed in. My legs and butt felt like they were still vibrating from the ride.

Walking up the steps I spotted the pickles on the counter. JJ, do we have enough for a pickle? I asked giving a pouty look. Before he could answer, Jody, the woman behind the counter, greeted us.

JJ, Spring Flower. Who are your friends? She asked as she rounded the counter. Jody has worked here as long as I can remember. She is a stout woman, with long black hair, almost to her butt. I’ve never seen her wear it up. She’s a sweet woman and has always been kind to us.

This is David and his sister Olivia they are the family getting the cabin. JJ answered when they met up with each other in front of the soda cooler.

Oh, wonderful, pleasure to meet you kids, she said reaching for their hands. Still holding their hands she continued to talk. How is it going over there? I will be over in the morning. I have the day off work. Finally letting go of David and Olivia’s hands she headed behind the counter. JJ put his sodas up and waited for us to get what we wanted. I could hear most of the conversation he and Jody were having, until Olivia started asking what she should buy.

What’s good? I want to try something new, she said as she grabbed my arm pulling me with her down the candy isle.

I always get the penny candy, or five cent Bazooka gum, I love the comics. Just go up and ask for a penny bag. Jody will give you a small brown paper bag. You can pick a whole bunch of this penny candy. I told her pointing to the bottom shelf.

Wow, are you serious? I have seventy-five cents, how much can I get? She was excited and headed up to ask for her bag before I could even answer her. I can get enough to share with my brother and sister.

David stood with JJ at the counter, bothered that we were taking so long. So I tried to hurry Olivia along, telling her my favorite candies. Happy with her half full bag, we could finally head to the counter. I set my soda up with the others, and JJ paid.

Here Spring, we had enough. JJ pushed one of the pickles in my hand. YES! I was so happy.

Thanks JJ! I love these pickles! A big bite was followed by slurping up the juices. Everyone said good-bye, I could only wave.

Outside the heat hung in the air heavier than when we went in. With no breeze, I couldn’t wait to get the wind blowing through my hair again. I heard the jingle of the bottles as JJ wrapped the bag of soda, securing it with a bungee cord to the rack. Olivia tucked her bag of candy between her legs and got settled. I took another bite of my juicy pickle and decided to save the rest.

David, JJ yelled when we got to the road. Let’s stop at Big Eldorado before we go back down into the bog.

You got it, see ya there! David yelled back as he crossed Ballaine Road. JJ stayed right behind him. The wind was finally running its fingers over the back of my neck, lifting the dampness of the heat, grabbing my hair and throwing it in every direction.

On Goldstream Road I laid back, letting the wind cool the summer heat from my head. My hair whipping the bare skin of my arms tickled my senses, sending goose bumps up my back. It was as if the wind was inviting me to play. Using the tips of my hair like fingers, tapping one shoulder then the other. Trying to catch a glimpse of the game I turn my head left then right. My body rocked by the rev-up and rev-down of the engines, navigating the Alaska terrain.

Sun rays flashed in and out of the trees playing peek-a-boo as we rode along the road side. Over dirt driveways and the beginning of gravel roads our wheels rolled. The strong sent of summer surrounded us. Imagining a life any better than this was impossible. We’re done with school work next week. Free to enjoy summer with our new friends.

I was snapped back to reality when the wheeler slowed. About 30 feet ahead of us a moose and her calf were standing along the road eating together. Moose are huge. Bigger than a horse, depending which ones you compare. The calf looks terribly funny, their legs and head are so long when they’re young. Plus the different shades of brown make some of them look as if they’re wearing masks.

As long as a person doesn’t make sudden movements, or try to get to close, moose are pretty mellow. Never get between a mom and her babies though! That goes with just about any animal, sometimes even human animals. Mom says the only difference between an Alaskan mother and a grizzly bear is a flannel shirt! So don’t get between one and her cubs. She’s so silly.

Olivia and David stood in awe, neither one had ever seen a moose up so close in the wild. They’ve seen them in town but through house or car windows. I giggled to myself seeing their excitement. The mother and her young didn’t seem bothered by us observing so we turned off the ATVs and stood for quite some time watching them before they moved on.

It wasn’t much further to the creek so we took it slow until we got to the little gravel turn out. We shut the wheelers off and walked around for a while.

David, JJ said as he got down. I want you to take it easy going down the hill back toward home. That slope down is a bit trickier than going up. There are a lot of tree stumps and big rocks hidden under the tall grass. Three wheelers tend to flip more than four wheelers too, so you have to use caution. Please stay on the trail.

JJ wrecked a three wheeler once on that hill. Thank God no one got hurt. JJ even told Olivia how to position her body when the wheeler was leaning this way and that. Both of them seemed to understand so we got back on the wheelers and started home.

Over the creek, down the hill and through the woods, to Olivia’s cabin we go.

We slowed to a stop at the top of the hill. You ready? JJ asked as he looked David’s way.

Yep, let’s go! David said as his wheeler titled over the side.

JJ and I went right after him. Tilted and angled looking down was scary. Navigating pretty well, slowly, we crept down the hill. Up and down our bodies went as we rode over some of those hidden obstacles. David and Olivia were still ahead of us when we reached the halfway point of the hill. David yelled back that this wasn’t that bad, and that we were worried for nothing.

I heard the engine rev and they sped up pretty fast and strayed from the path. JJ and I watched as they were thrown around on the ATV with every bump.

He’s so stupid, David shouldn’t be doing that, JJ grunted.

Not even a minute later I heard Olivia scream and the world seemed to move in slow motion.

The front wheel hit a big stump! The jolt bounced both of them far above the seat and their bodies slammed back down. Hard! The ATV started to flip. I heard myself utter ‘oh my God,’ and all the air jumped from my lungs. Everything was moving so slow. As the wheeler flipped I saw Olivia’s body begin to fly forward.

Oh no! She is going to hit the ground face first. Everything will land right on top of her!

David’s body swung around, his arms reaching for his little sister. He couldn’t grab her, so he shoved her, with all his might! Her body flew through the air away from the machine. The brown paper bag filled with candy was tossed to the clouds. Small pieces of candy seemed to float in the air above them. Then the slow motion stopped….

The ATV came crashing down on top of David instead.

NO!! I screamed.

JJ rode to the bottom of the hill and I was off before he could even stop. I didn’t know where to run first, Olivia or David. When I saw Olivia trying to stand up, I ran to David. JJ got there before I did. He looked like the hulk lifting the wheeler from David’s crumpled body. When I reached over to help, a heat rushed through my body and a strength I never knew pushed my little arms. We flipped it back on its wheels and turned to our friend.

Chapter Two

The Pain of Alaskan Terrain

David lay face down, his body motionless surrounded by grass littered with bazooka bubble gum and hard candy. Gasps escaped me and JJ at the same time. The sight of our friend, stole our breath.

Is he okay? I heard Olivia ask as she got closer to us. I turned and looked at her. She read the emotion on my face. NOOO! She yelled and pushed between me and JJ.