One of the reasons we appreciate the comments so much is that there are family members and friends who are deeply moved by knowing that others care. If we tell each other by voice that “so and so sends their love and remembers such and such,” the circle of sharing is complex, time consuming, and incomplete. I believe and you have told us, that your thoughts and feelings strengthen all of us. Especially for those out of town, reading this site is vital for connection.
As well, we tell Dad what you have said or read to him from your cards and letters. Sometimes he smiles and responds. Even when he doesn’t, it is good for him to know what you have said.
On a utilitarian basis, there is a lot for the family in town to be doing now. For us to speak individually with people is lovely, but do consider we need to be attending to Dad and Mom and a host of pressing issues, so for us to spread the news partly via this site let’s us focus on many things.
If you know of people who would like to be kept abreast of Dad’s health, please tell them about this site and/or let them know that the Koponen mailing address is 710 Chena Ridge Road, Fairbanks, AK 99709.
Thanks, Chena
Dear Niilo,
I learned just now you are in the hospital – Chena emailed me, Thanks so much, Chena. I’ll come see you this afternoon, if you are still there. When you go home, will you be entertaining visitors?
You and I have so many shared memories and values: from school district politics, to Democratic politics, to Democratic Socialist politics to union politics to our shared communitarian values. You were one of the first people I met – and Dick – when I came to Fairbanks in 1969 – and your sauna was the first I visited in Fairbanks. We used to have DIA meetings at your house, before we migrated to the basement of Tommy’s Elbow Room. I have buttons and stickers and posters in my collection from your camapigns for the state house. We loved having you in Juneau and you loved it, too!
Give my fond wishes to all your family. Perhaps I will see some of them this afternoon at the hospital.
My love,
Mary Ann
Dear Niilo and family,
So sorry to hear you were (are still?) in the hospital. We hope you will soon be home and feeling better.
We think of you often as we are planning a trip to Finland this summer, health permitting, to celebrate Midsummer with relatives. At the moment Dick is recovering from a fall (again), but doing pretty well otherwise. Leslye had some health issues this winter, but with the melting snow and longer days is feeling fine and is excited about getting out and gardening.
The political situation inspires us one day and then dashes our hopes the next. Leslye has become increasingly involved under the influence of her “Grandmothers for Peace” friends
Neither Dick nor Leslye is good at using the computer, and I think I may have lost the message I wrote. Anyhow, this time I will send the message before it gets lost in space again. Niilo, we were sorry to hear you were (are still?) in the hospital and hope you will soon be feeling better.
To Niilo’s fine family:I posted a comment to Niilo and the family on April 28, as soon as I received Harry’s message, I also posted Harry’s on our several democratic socialist discussion lists, prefacing it with mention of the fine work by both Niilo and the wide-ranging Harry. For whatever reason, my comments on the family website did not make it to fruition. So, I am happy to try again.
I am not Finnish — am a Native American — but my spouse of 47 years is substantially Finnish. Both Eldri and I have always appreciated our fine friendship with Niilo and have always been truly grateful for his excellent and sparky letters and the books and related materials that he has sent us.
Niilo, you are a true friend and a solid fighter for social justice — for all. When we think of you, we think of a great mountain of flint, sturdy and enduring always. And that great mountain looks and points far beyond to the better world for humanity and helps trail-blaze to it — for all of us in “the save the world business.”
Take care, old friend and our prayers and best thoughts go always to you and your most wonderful family!
In Solidarity always —
Hunter [Hunter Bear] and Eldri Gray.