HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

7/4/25

Today is Independence Day for the U.S.A., which is a celebration of freedom and independence.

I have lived my life with a spirit of independence, which is at least partially responsible for the reason I chose to live in Alaska.

When I first moved here 37 years ago, one of the first things I noticed about the people here was their attitude of independence. Back then, Alaska was still largely cut off from the mainland, or the “lower 48” as it was called here. Many of the luxuries and conveniences taken for granted down South were not available here yet, but most of the people didn’t seem to mind.

If there was a want or need, we created, improvised, and made do with what we had on hand. Not many were likely to ask for help, but if a need was made known, there was a generous outpouring of assistance from neighbors. There were also many people that were happy to share their knowledge and expertise in surviving here.

Life could be hard and hazardous here, particularly with weather and wildlife. Even the varied terrain seemed to swallow people on a regular basis. Especially in the remote areas (which is most of Alaska), a person could find themselves in real trouble very quickly, and with no means to call for help.

But in spite of the possible dangers and hardships, the freedoms I have experienced in living here have been worth it.

Freedom is “the condition of being free of restraints, especially the ability to act without control or interference by another or by circumstances”.

Of course, with this freedom comes the responsibility for and consequences of our actions and choices. That should be very well learned and understood. It could mean the difference between life and death.

We lived our lives according to our own values, desires, and beliefs, and we left our neighbors alone to do the same.

That’s not to say that there weren’t differences of opinion and major disagreements. But for the most part, we lived in peace and harmony with our neighbors.

When your own survival requires most of your time and attention, you learn that what others think and say doesn’t matter as much as we think it does.

Today I am thankful for the opportunities to learn the things I have, and the freedom to live the life I have. I am thankful for the ability to help where I can and am wanted. And I am thankful for the freedom to be able to do what I believe is right and true.

I am still a strong-willed and independent woman, and I am still standing. To me, that is the essence of the U.S.A.

Though I may be getting older, I will remain wild and free.

Happy Birthday and God Bless America!

– Amber