As many of you know, I spent almost the entire month of September in Europe (2014). Im well aware that this sort of travel is something that many are not able to take and thankful that God has provided me the opportunity. This was my fourth trip to Europe in two years (first one, October 2012). Trans-continental flight is no picnic, it is punishing: squished into a tube with 300 people in chairs that dont recline, leaving at 6PM (overnight flight) from JFK (its already midnight in Europe), arriving 9 hours later dead on your feet, filled with disgusting food and having been forced to use bathrooms that would be condemned by any health agency. It is not fun. So: on September 6, 2014, my plane landed in Rome. I dragged my two suitcases (needed two this time, usually travel with a carry on and a backpack) through the aged airport in Rome and then went out (after meeting the Perillo tour representative and signing my name so they wouldnt leave me behind) for a CIGARETTE (OH NO, oh YES, dont smoke much but oh yes I do smoke LOL). So Im standing outside and the building is mirrored. While Im standing there, two pigeons fly toward the mirror. One escapes. The other falls to the ground. Okay, welcome to Italy, Jill. So of course I go over to the pigeon who is now stuck on the ground, and I pick it up. I see it has an injury (serious) to one leg (bleeding). I put it in a safe place and go inside and begin the difficult wrangle with the customer service rep about how he HAS TO DO SOMETHING for this pigeon. Now Im thinking: WHY, GOD? WHY must you put injured animals in my path, WHAT is the significance of this, specifically? Is there one? Oh, yes. Im sure the pigeon was humanely put out of its complicated injury, I very much doubt anyone took care as I would have done if I were at home. But I now really DO understand the message behind the madness. My wings were struck a blow, a life ending blow. I have been flying ever since, even with this injury, and I will fly until my name is called. Even with a broken wing....even with the worst possible life experience....WE CAN FLY, we can surmount. TRUST ME, I have lived through it. I am living through it. MOTHERS: my dear friends who have lost children, trust me, please: YOU CAN DO THIS. Take your broken wing, and learn to fly again. YES, YOU CAN. https://youtube/watch?v=ToHvv6jY4Ms
Posted on: Fri, 19 Dec 2014 22:15:30 +0000