What is the symbol of America?
It’s the Bald Eagle! 
The eagle symbolizes so much to so many, “Freedom”. I’m going to tell you a little about a special bald eagle named Freedom, but first let me introduce a friend, Jeff Guidry. He’s the author of a book, “An Eagle Named Freedom, A True Story of Remarkable Friendship”. This book touched my heart. I was at a place in my life where I was looking for answers to questions. I was experiencing many changes in my life. I met a wonderful man… (Bulldog Man), a good friend of mine had passed away from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma; I sold my house, and moved from one state to another without having a job to go to. All of these changes along with a few that I won’t mention occurred over a period of a couple of years. Because there were so many changes, I felt empty (alone, even though I wasn’t) and needed to have something to hold on to. One day, I opened an e-mail from a friend. The e-mail had an attachment of a video. The video segment was about an injured eagle and the man who rescued it. I watched the video; of course it brought tears to my eyes, it also gave me a sense of calm. I was intrigued. So intrigued, I had to get the book.
The book is about Jeff Guidry, a volunteer at the Sarvey Wildlife Center, and his experiences with the animals and other employees at the center. He befriends this injured eagle, and refuses to give up on this injured bird, although the bird is near death. Daily he walks, feeds, and works with the bald eagle until she is healed. The eagle has a name, her name is Freedom. The story doesn’t stop there; it takes you through another life event. This one is of Jeff; he’s diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He goes through the painful treatment and the fight for his life. He returns to Sarvey Wildlife Center to be with Freedom. This special bald eagle gives Jeff spiritual purpose; to fight, to live. Talk about a story going full circle. After reading, “An Eagle Named Freedom, A True Story of Remarkable Friendship” I took it upon myself to contact Jeff Guidry through Facebook to let him know how much his story meant to me. To this day, I remain friends with Jeff on Facebook, and look forward to new pictures and comments on his Facebook page about Freedom, and the other animals in his life.
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| Jeff and Freedom |
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| Jeff, Freedom and Jack |
oh sweet Sandy - thank you for sharing some of your past which must have quite hurtful and you must have felt alone and for that i am very sorry because you have been nothing but a sweet friend to me! and hoe lovely of you to share the story about Jeff and Freedom - both very applicable characters to the American spirit that the world loves !
ReplyDeletedid i say thank you for sharing? if not, i really thank you for sharing. this was a lovely post that i thoroughly enjoyed. but - to be honest - i enjoy them all - bahahahahah!
your friend,
kymber
Sweet Kymber,
DeleteThank you Kymber! I enjoy all of your posts too, especially the ones with the clouds, fish, garden, food.....I could go on and on, hehehe!
The past was hurtful but I lived through it and I'm a better person. I'm blessed to have a wonderful man, great kids and some wonderful friends.
I'm very familiar with Jeff and Freedom. This is the only blog that has ever mentioned it. Isn't it sad/strange how we can feel SO lonely/alone even when we're not alone? That is the worst kind.
ReplyDeleteFeeling alone when you're by yourself is easily understood.
I lived a lonely life, but after my divorce, when I was by myself, I stopped feeling lonely. Weird, huh.
Lotta Joy,
DeleteIt's not so weird to feel lonely when your married, it happens. Then when you divorce you feel relieved and calm, as if in a zen moment.
Oh, Sandy, that is such a warming story. It is so wonderful that this also, was such a great comfort and help to you in a time that you really needed it. Thank you for bring this story and sharing yours.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Susie