Alaska loved a party. And we used any opportunity as an excuse to get together for a Xena-related event. Alaska was on my standard "invitee" list and was a fixture at many of them, especially once I had moved north to San Francisco.
Alaska, Maria and I chatted over martinis more than once about life and love and, as was usually the case, the conversation somehow always found its way back to Xena.
Of the many Xenaverse friends who had wandered into our lives during those years, Alaska was always one of our favorites. She was warm and fun. I remember her skill as a doctor came into good use at one party ... someone had wandered (should I say staggered?) around to the side of our house and tripped over some chicken wire, gashing her knee and leg.
Alaska was right there with care and first aid and even gave up her cane for the week-end. In fact, I had it for some time before finally returning it to her.
One of the last times I saw Alaska, she was sitting on the bed in my
room watching that last episode of Xena. We were showing it in private
screenings in the back bedroom behind closed doors for those who
couldn't wait for the official broadcast. She was so quiet in there, I
peeked in to see if she was all right and found her looking just as
shell-shocked as everyone else I had checked on that day.
Maria and I really enjoyed Alaska. She was kind and thoughtful, fun to be around and a pleasure to have in my home.
I was honored to have known her. I wish I had taken her up on one of her many offers and had visited her in Alaska. I wish I had kept in touch with her - I sadly admit that the years have gone by and just as Xena has faded from my life, so have I let many of the friends I had made during those wonderful years.
I am proud to have known a woman who changed her life, became a doctor (no small feat), moved to Alaska, rescued boxers ...
She definitely touched my life in a very special way, and I will remember her always.
Alaska ... I'm thinking of you.
DJWP
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