On Sunday afternoon, Stephanie suggested we take advantage of the perfect summer afternoon by taking the family out the Chena Hot Springs road for some time by the river. We found a picturesque, isolated place by the river and enjoyed the warm sun and cool breeze. Jamiee brought a friend, and we brought enough fishing poles, sandwiches and snacks for everyone.

It was a hot afternoon, hot enough to drive me into the fifty degree (damn cold) water. Stripped down to my shorts, I asked Stephanie to hold our firearm. As I came up out of the water and back to our little day camp, I came upon Stephanie holding Sarah, breastfeeding, and wearing the Glock pistol on her hip. Such a sharp juxtaposition of images caught me momentarily off guard, and made me wonder – again – at this amazing woman who appears completely at ease with each of her roles as nurturer, adventurer, and defender.

It reminded me of another time I felt a similar sense of wonder at this incredible woman. On one of the long drives we took from Fairbanks to Circle shortly after Tobias was born, we stopped at one of our favorite spots along the Chatanika River. It was a truly isolated spot, deep into the wild. And here on this lonely gravel bar, as Jacob and I threw rocks into the water, Stephanie stood watching the two of us while holding and breastfeeding Toby. She was completely at peace and in her element. She is a wonder, and she is as beautiful as all of the open places of Alaska.