From Joy of Learning English From Joy of Learning English
What do you think of when you hear the word "Alaska"? Perhaps you picture the gorgeous Mt. McKinley. Or maybe you see an aurora borealis, salmons and bears. Lots of people have only a vague image of Alaska. I thought that Alaska was always a cold place and we could see an aurora borealis through all seasons before we visited Alaska.
I went to Alaska with my family last summer. We experienced the midnight sun for the first time. It was strange that the sun set at 11p.m. I could not fall asleep easily every evening. I realized that we couldn't see an aurora borealis during summer because of the midnight sun.
Alaska has lots of national parks. We visited Danali National Park, the fourth largest park in America. It has a rule that human beings could not destroy this natural system and the natural original figure of this area is now protected. We have to enter into the park by bus or on foot because of this rule. We saw many animals and wild flowers. The common fireweed was spreading out on the field like a pink carpet, and it was just fantastic. The best thing was the enormous mountain, Mt. McKinley. Meaning "the high one", Denali is Mt. McKinley. My husband said in excitement, "Maybe this is the last chance we can see Mt. McKinley clearly, so watch it carefully." and he took many pictures. Usually in the summer, Alaska has lots of rain. However, when we went to Alaska for 9 days, all the days in Alaska were sunny and very hot, so we saw Mt. McKinley clearly every day when we went to the Denali National Park.
We visited Kenai Fjords National Park, too. I was surprised to see the dynamic and beautiful glacier. When I saw glaciers from the ship, some glaciers collapsed suddenly, and the sound of an icefall echoed through the sea. But unfortunately, the glaciers are decreasing every year because of a global warming.
In this trip, I enjoyed nature fully. Alaska, "The Last Frontier", is one of few sanctuaries, which is left on this earth for wild animals. There are lots of wild animals and wild flowers that we rarely see in America. I hadn't expected I would find it to be such a heavenly place. I hope Alaska never changes, and I want to go to Alaska in the winter to see an aurora borealis with my family again.
This is an article taken from a newspaper. Enjoy reading.
To My Parents on Their 60th Anniversary
How do I say thank you for all the love and caring over the years? How do I repay all the nights you stayed up when I was sick, and all the floors you walked when I was late coming home? What can I give you for all the times you supported me in my triumphs, and provided a shoulder when there were losses? What present is there for all the times we just sat together and shared our warmth? How do I thank you for the guidance when I was unsure of my way, and your restraint to allow me to find it myself? You nurtured my growth, yet allowed me my independence. How can I measure the worth of your love? What gift is enough?
The answer came to me today. No box can hold it, no wrapping can cover it, nor can a ribbon tie it. No store had it on a shelf. My gift is not to you, it is to my children. I promise to care for them when they are sick and walk the floors when they are late. I will share with them their victories and comfort them when there are losses. I will help them to grow yet let them choose their own path. I'll be there what they need me and step aside when they must go alone.
And someday, maybe, they will come to me and say, "How can we thank you for all you have done for us?" And I will tell them, "Don't thank me. Thank my patents. For I am the product of their love, and you are my greatest gift to them."