In August of 1972 we arrived in Cordova. Al had just graduated from the University of Idaho with a teaching degree in elementary and special education. We had decided that we wanted to live in Alaska and after attending a job fair he signed a contract with the Cordova School District.
The following year he required back surgery and was medevaced to Anchorage and landed in the Providence Hospital. Because of complications he remained hospitalized for the next three months. During that time, we had welcomed a new baby daughter to the family to join her three brothers.
Because Al was a new teacher he ran out of sick leave. The teachers stepped up and graciously donated their sick leave to help us out. We were living paycheck-to-paycheck and had used all our savings for our move to Alaska. The community took up a collection to purchase an airplane ticket for me and our baby to fly to Anchorage to be with Al. The baby also needed medical attention and needed to see a doctor.
Before leaving Cordova, I was given an envelope and told not to open it until arriving in Anchorage. There was much-needed cash to help out with expenses. I was able to stay with a former Cordova teacher and use her car to get back and forth to the hospital.
Generous families took in our three boys while this was happening. We arrived back in Cordova just before Christmas to find a Christmas tree at home all decorated with presents underneath. These presents included clothes which these growing boys needed. Then for the next few days a knock would come at the door and there would be a box of groceries.
Cordova is truly a special place to call home, and we will never forget the ways in which we were welcomed as new residents. We are truly blessed to live in this beautiful place. One more reason to say I LOVE CORDOVA.
Judy Fulton
Cordova
