A Multi-Sited Ethnographic Study in Alaska: Examining the Culture-Communication Nexus Salient to Alaska Native Elders and Conventional Health and Social Services

and joy: “hey Pops” “yea kid” “what’s the most important thing in life?” “hmmm... … … … ” and I waited…and waited… “c’mon Pops!?” “hmmm … love.” “what?! no way! I knew you would say that! Ok – what’s the second most important thing in life?” “hmmm … hmmm … …” his voice always soothed me… “…more love” “Pops! No way-I can’t believe it! Are you serious-really? “yep ” hahahahahahah… I melt listening to his loud infectious laughter… “ok, what’s the third most important thing in life?” “hmm … let me think…hmm... …love and more love” and, hearing this, tears began pouring down my face, I knew him- more than that, I felt his heart – and he mine, the heart’s fragility and fierceness