Fly Again And Soar

Author: Catherine Pulsifer

We can learn a lot from those beautiful birds that fly high in the sky soaring close to the clouds and swooping down gently as they drift along with the wind. In contrast, are those poor birds that are injured or who have had their wings clipped for some reason, unable to soar, to fly, and to drift with the winds. Such was the case of a friend of mine several years ago.

Everything Going Good
This was a friend who had everything going for him especially a loving and long relationship with his wife of thirty-five years. They had raised a loving family together with all of its associated challenges, kindnesses and rewards, and lived a quietly satisfied life with all they ever wanted. There didn’t seem to be anything that prevented them from soaring through life able to fly whenever they wanted, doing things that made each day a day filled with joy and comfort.

Then It Happened
His wife was diagnosed with colon cancer. The situation rapidly progressed to surgical procedures to try and remove the cancerous growth but it returned. Then came radiation, chemotherapy and still there was little if any progress. And, all the while, they continued their attempt to live as close to normal as possible. But, with the adverse effects of chemotherapy, there were more bad days than good until such time as she was confined to a hospice for her last days. Needless to say, the toil it took on him was devastating.

Over the next two years after her death, he took on a new persona – one which showed little will to soar, little interest in flying, filled with doubt, remorse, and all the while quietly allowing himself to have his wings clipped. He would sit alone at home at night within the same walls where so much love had been shared where now only empty spaces loomed and cast deep shadows on his spirit.

Each of Us Is Different
There is no doubt at all that we all grieve in different ways and in different time frames. Some grieve for a shorter period than others and some for longer, and some struggle with these deep feelings of despair for many years. But, there is an old saying that says something like this: “all in due time”; or “time heals all”. And, as I have found out over the years, there is a lot of truth to these sayings.

A Happy Ending
This story does have a happy ending, however. At a time when the heart begins to heal and begins to flutter its wings once again, my friend jumped into the air again slowly testing his wings. At first, it was a difficult flight with some hard landings and a few barriers that prevented him from going through. But, as time passed, and with the constant companionship and active listening of his close friends, the flights became stronger and stronger until he was at last able to soar high within the clouds once again. Time, friendship, listening, non-judgmental and frank discussions, dealing with false starts and retreats, was just what this man needed to be able to fly again. He met another with whom he couldn’t wait to see, to fly high and to enjoy some of the simple pleasures of this world all over again like starting afresh with new passion and vigor.

We All Face Challenges
We may all face times when our wings feel clipped, or where we experience difficult flight and challenges, where we would rather just sit and recoup. But, life is to be lived not shunned, to be experienced not retreat, to feel the wind blow through our feathers not to be stuck on a solely branch, to grasp each moment and enjoy it for all we can. We must give each other the time we need to heal but we must also grasp that person by the hand and take them forward to new flight, and to new life.

Inspirational Quotes To Consider
“Nothing is more powerful than allowing yourself to be truly affected by things.” Zooey Deschanel

“Though no-one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new end.”Author Unkown

” Even our very thoughts, our soul, and our essence is malleable to the winds of change. As sure as the sun will continue to rise, the world with us in it, will continue to change.”Elm Valle

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