2010/06/18 at 6:48 pm

I remember one night back in around 1980 when Niilo read me some of the poems he had written, and I recall thinking this man was a real poet — the poems were very good! I know Niilo is in a safe place now at the Pioneers home. I read the newsletter and understand Niilo doesn’t walk and rarely speaks. I found a book in my stock of old Finnish tales. Would this be something that he could listen to, if read aloud? Apologies for not being up to date on things, from down here in Oregon. Received one newsletter and would like to receive more. And Joan, how are you? Chena, Gary, Heather (Dane, whom I’ve never met) and everyone else, life down in Oregon is good. I just turned 60 and had a two-week celebration. My wife Lisa is a Shakespearian/Zen Buddhist/Marathoner, and me, I’m a bookseller, poet, husband and father who loves to walk, bicycle, read, eat breakfast out, and navigate the seas of quiet and not-so quiet joy and suffering as they present themselves. My son Charles, who lives in Seattle and works at an Apple Store, is 27, an avowed introvert, a loving son. You Koponens made my two stints in Fairbanks — 1975-1976, and 1980-1981 very rich and family-feeling. It was good to know you all, as little or as much as I did – the books the sauna the fellowship all touched me deeply. I wish you all strength and patience and humor, for you are living out the edict once written of by Lawrence Durrell in The Alexandria Quartet: “The young climb up the old, and then the old climb down the young. Don’t take guff from anyone who isn’t there to walk the walk, your love and bravery are evident, even 2500 miles away! Onward. from Ezra (Art) Tishman

We read of Nels Hitchcock’s passing in the Fairbanks Daily News Miner and we are saddened.
Jim (his brother) is the guy the kids remember, but his mother and father were very important in Dad’s 1950’s years in Fairbanks:
From “The Alaskan: America’s Farthest North Political Newspaper:” Lead photo is of Ben Hitchcock–“late homesteader at Caribou Creek was one of the founders of the Alaska Party:”
“FOUNDERS WIFE VIES FOR HOUSE: Kay Hitchcock is a candidate for the House of Representatives from the 3rd Division on the Alaska Party ticket…..Mrs. Hitchcock has two sons, Nels 14, who is attending school in Fairbanks and Jim, who is continuing the family cabin-building business at Caribou Creek.”
There is much more to this article and the newsletter, including a “party history” article (pre-statehood).
It is part of Dad’s and Mom’s history in 1950s Fairbanks. We think of the Hitchcock family very fondly.
Much warmth and love, Chena

In connection with the usual Saturday evening Ice Cream Social, there was a Sr. Ball at the Pioneers Home this evening.

Smiling widely, Mom recognized a couple of tunes I don’t remember ever hearing before. She danced a couple of dances with a young gentleman, then joined Dad and me in a dance, Dad in his wheelchair, as were several others there.

Dad tried to rise to dance on his feet…

Heather

So glad to hear grandpa is home again! I hope he gets to stay there and I hope you guys are getting lots of help. I send big hugs to all of you.

Love,
Kotty

–K: D
Chena responds: Dad (Grandpa) is NOT home. He came home for his birthday but went back to the Pioneers’ Home. It is good to have him home occasionally….but reality for his day to day life is that taking care of him at home is a massive undertaking which people were happy to do for quite a while….but he really is getting better physical care at the Pioneers’ Home and in many ways it is more stimulating for him there. He does not walk anymore and rarely talks. The Pioneers’ Home has equipment (some of which the family had also purchased at home to help him) to give him the best physical care. For instance, now he can stand up with their modern things which previously the family had tried to simulate with people holding him as we were trained to do, but yikes he is a big guy and it wasn’t always easy.
The feeling that people should live at home in their latter days is honored and respected. Yet these days it might mean a (female) relation loses her own life respecting “family values.”
This family has two parents requiring almost around the clock care and several of the children have spent many years honoring and helping them.
Niilo is well cared for at the Pioneers’ Home and the family visits quite often. There are musical and other events there, and he comes home from time to time.
It is a very long journey.
We love Dad very much. Thanks Kottie for loving him too.
Thanks, Chena

Terve, Koposen perhe: Give my congrats to Niilo on his 82nd! He looks more like a Scotsman than a Finn with his plaid cap in the photo. I guess you should have substituted bagpipes for a Finn accordion (or “hanuri”)for his birthday “musiikki”. He seems quite content in his daily life, especially with the love and care that surrounds him from all you folks.
I turn 84 on this Thu., Mar. 18. I had signed up for a bus trip to Reno by the North Berkeley Senior Center for March 18 and 19th, but the stinkers decided to postpone it until late April. So I’ll spend my “syntymäpäivä here in Dullsville, but will ride “over the hill” tp Reno next month. Not a gambling man, but the trip will give us $5 in cash so maybe I’ll blow it on the nickle slots. Maybe I’ll even win a $10 jackpot. Hot dawg! My best to you all, Harry

(Note: This post was posted in Historic Photos and this moderator moved it to a stand alone.  It sure was nice to hear from you in Finland!–Chena)

Submitted on 2009/02/28 at 1:59pm Hi Niilo and family, I am sending this mail from Finland. I was studying in UAF for a short period in 1995. When I was there I found Niilo’s sauna through Carl and Erika Cowans. They were students who had rented your cabin at your home. They told me about you and your sauna, when after I told them that as a Finn I was missing sauna.

One dark winter evening on Sunday, I skied to your home ( as poor student), hesitatingly knocked the door, without knowing who will open and is this the right house. You Niilo opened the door and I introduce myself in poor English and after also in Finnish and you answered we in Finnish and welcommed me to your home. I never forget that hospitality. After that I visited your sauna there every Sunday unless I left back to Finland. I really enjoyded my discussions with you Niilo and other people I met there. I never forget those evenings I spent at you home.

As a Finn I really respected that hospitality you have at your home. It is saturday night here and I was again after long time watching an internet and I found this blog. I hope from all my heart that you and your family are doing well. Kaikkea hyvää Niilo sinulle ja perheelle toivoo Tapio Suomesta. Best regards Tapio Tuominen Helsinki FINLAND

Niilo has been more lively in the evenings lately and the other night rolled his wheelchair through the entryway and opened the door to the -20 outdoors, saying he wanted to go downtown.
Why not? Mom’s almost always ready for a drive. So we bundled up and went for a Tuesday night drive to downtown via the smaller roads, then all through Pioneer Park, Taku area where we’ve hardly ever been, and back home. We discussed sights and history along the way, Dad participating some, and sang some songs.
In a family that is not known for driving for pleasure and in a time of watching expenses, it may seem silly to drive around burning gasoline for over an hour…but all enjoyed it.
Last evening when Dad seemed restless I asked him if he would like me to do anything for him. His reply: “I want you to work for non-violence.”

Heather

While it’s nice not to have to bundle up so vigorously when going somewhere, Niilo & Joan have not been as excited about the warm spell as you might expect: The -38 weather did not stop them from going bowling or to the library or to Quaker Meeting, despite the soupy ice fog. Luckily, no vehicular problems!
Weatherization work continues on the house. Grouse and moose have been close to the house occasionally. Mom has been able to harvest basil from her indoor mini-garden.
Niilo is recovering from a bout of bronchitis and putts around in his wheelchair in the evening. He and Mom enjoy watching movies together, even if his head sometimes droops.
It has been a treat to get cards and letters. We read them out loud for Niilo.
Thanks!
Heather K.

Dad and Mom got a few Christmas greetings that were sent to Dad’s post office box. Please note that we are not renewing the box rental. Kind of sad, as we know Dad has had that address for decades.
Send mail for Dad and Mom to 710 Chena Ridge Road, Fairbanks, AK 99709.
Quick note: Dad and Mom seem to be doing pretty good lately. Dad’s been fairly talkative and Mom’s been doing a lot of bowling, movies, and knitting. This 40 below stuff seems harder on the car than on her!
It’s been great to hear from folks. Thanks!
–Chena

   Yum!  Thanks to Leslye & Dick for the visit and gift of pulla, Finnish-style braided cardamom bread.  It goes well with the soft snowfall, browsing through news and catalogs, decorative lights, and Joan’s appreciation of the play “A Christmas Carol” which she saw last night with DeVonne.

  Other recent visitors have also been greatly appreciated by Niilo:  Jose, Peggy, Dave.  And all at Quaker Meeting, to which wheelchair access was finished just in time.  Martha, who just turned 12, always serves Niilo his hot beverage afterward, and other young Friends open the door and otherwise help.

   Joan is enjoying going bowling twice a week and movies with Alex and Dane, and shopping and other activities with Chena, and cards and board games and puzzles with Heather, Nancy E., and Alicia.  Rob makes french toast on Saturdays and Joan enjoys conversation with him.

   Niilo hasn’t used the walker in months but has been transfering himself without help on occasion lately.  Last night some conversation and songs including seasonal carols.

Heather