Fly Like An Eagle
The old pilot is heading westward, the glow of the setting sun turning the silver wings of his aircraft to gold, the arc of his life trailing behind him in memories forever lost.
And yet somehow he knows the way like a migrating bird knows the way. It is an instinct above and beyond the damage done to his brain by Alzheimer’s.
He is not yet on final approach, but the time for that will come sooner than later, and in his soul he knows it.
With a deft hand and the light touch borne of years of experience, he aligns his craft with the runway far in the distance. The runway, too, glows gold.
The runway is not an earthly tarmac, it’s a skyway to the stars that flows ever forward to the far reaches of the universe and on past time itself.
Like birds that must answer the call to migrate, we must all answer the call of this journey … from birth to death, from dust to stardust.
The old pilot smiles, his face aglow with the setting sun.
He is finally going home.
Lovely!
And so it goes.
I’m sitting here with a major case of goosebumps -what wonderful writing. I guess it really touched me as my guy was a pilot - wish I could give you hug right about now.
Thanks to all for taking the time to comment!
Jean, if you’d like to read about some of Bob’s flight experiences (short piece), here’s the link: http://www.bobraymer.com/pages/daringdan/daringdan.html
Also, for a photo of Bob with one of his personal planes, you can go here: http://www.bobraymer.com/pages/middleyears/middleyears.html
I didn’t meet Bob until after he stopped flying, but it sure would have been fun to have been with him in those days.
Roger, have you abandoned your blog?
Suzy, this piece is terrific, as is this whole blog. Your writing about Bob and his illness are so moving. May I link to it on kami haiku?
Judy
Thank you, Judy! I’d be honored to have you link to this blog on yours.
Thinking of you every day.
Checked in to see how you and Bob are getting along. Hoping for the best for you both.
Suzy,
How can I tell you of the love and gratitude I have for you? Your being there and loving Baba like you do is pure grace. I just for some reason found this now. For the past seven years-or more since I last saw you and Baba - at Peter’s, I think. Blessings and Love to you as Bob is ready for that definitive journey now. Please know that I am holding you both in my heart of hearts.
Love,
John