I, like most Alaskans, cherish the time I can be enjoying sunshine during our spring and summer months. Sunshine is good for the soul, spirit and body. It is worth its proverbial weight in gold in Alaska. As summer was upon us, neighbors began yard and exterior home repairs, as autumn would be on its way. With this, a good neighbor had decided to replace a fence — a new fence that could provide privacy and maybe even block out some urban noise.
The fence was a bit tall and, incidentally, blocked sunshine the front of our house received —where we set up a potted herb garden and would sit daily in the sun, reading the newspaper or a book. It was a daily part of our routine. A tune came to mind, "Oh, please, don't take my sunshine away" — a lyric from the classic song "You Are My Sunshine."
I took my concerns to my neighbor with an Alaskan appeal, in saying, "Oh, please, don't take my sunshine away..." I had faith in this neighbor, who said to me the concerns were understandable. And I trusted that my neighbor would give the matter some thought. Finally, if the neighbor did not return later this day to see me, my appeal was heard. My neighbor did not appear later this day. Then, four days later, the fence was downscaled as the sun shone brightly. Why? Because of the understanding that "good fences make good neighbors." God bless our community, Anchorage. Have a lovely summer and be well.
Deborah A. Morel
Anchorage
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