Emerging Courageous Online Magazine

Emerging Courageous Online Magazine - Stories

The Albatross by Sharon Coles

*In Memory of Everett W. Coles by Sharon Coles
December 11, 1914 to August 17, 1993

One starry night as Dad stood watch on the wing of the bridge, he sensed a presence beside him. Turning his head, he met the eye of a giant bird whose outstretched wings, were riding the currents by the progress of the ship.

Dad watched its graceful flight and marveled at the twelve foot span of outstretched wings which seemed almost to brush his shoulder. Floating effortlessly beside him, keeping pace with the ship, it continued eye contact with Dad, who made no move which might interrupt the special feeling of being in touch with the beautiful wild thing.

The bird was an albatross. On land, it would have been an ungainly creature, clumsily lurching about as it did whatever an albatross does between taking its marvelous flights. There in its element; once aloft, it can glide with smoothness and power, but it must struggle mightily to launch from terra firma.

Life was a struggle for Dad in the last few months of his life. He would have loved to “mount up on wings as eagles”, “to run and not be weary”, or even to “walk and not faint”. But, now he is free. He has been released from the pain of trying to breathe the next breath or take the next step.

On Tuesday morning he went to the next life, now peaceful...released from all pain and care. Unlike the albatross, he will never come down to earth. Dad has found his element. His spirit has taken flight; and he is at home with the Lord.

Sharon Coles [email protected]

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