Alaska in my heart

This is a graphic that I made that helps to remind me of the better things in life. I spent some time in Alaska in the 90's and have never been able to get it off my mind since. Working mostly in Fairbanks for a month or so, I spent my time-off taking in the beauty that only Alaska has to offer.

Alaska reminds me of a life since passed but still vivid in my mind. I and my brothers were raised in the mountains of Oregon where we lived a way of life unlike most. This life ended with my childhood but never left my heart. There were struggles and many hard times over the years but they never seemed to overshadow the good. As I look back on it all, I wish that I had the chance to do it over again - not to change it, but to relive and appreciate every moment exactly the way it was. As I reflect, I realize that those were the most important days of my life. Not just because my family was complete and all together in one place, or because it produced the incredible memories that I hold dear, but because it made me who I am today and gave me the strength and values and qualities that I now pass to my son so that he can pass them to his.