Eagle Inspiration

Running with the stroller is not easy. It's an extra twenty pounds of equipment and 17 pounds of baby to push. Running with the jogger and the dog is also not all that relaxing (Ellie gets to chill but Otis has to watch out for the stroller and I have to watch out for both baby and dog). I need to be on the alert for big bumps that could jostle the stroller or for squirrels that Otis might decide to chase. In past, my solo runs were an opportunity to let my mind run free but now my runs require total concentration.

So despite my sleep deprivation and my compromised mommy memory, I have actually grown more observant and aware on our little excursions. I notice the potholes in the path, the dog poop left behind by a negligent pet owner and the cyclists coming up from behind. I've noticed that people rarely look you in the eye and say hello unless of course you are the first to greet them with a friendly smile and say "hi" first. I've discovered that many people don't even bother to say hello despite me greeting them. Maybe they are just too engrossed in their own thoughts or perhaps they don't like dogs or jogging strollers. It seems that these days I am meeting a lot more friendly dogs than people. It makes me wonder what kind of world I am raising a child in...

Just when I'm starting to dwell on the apparent aloofness of Vancouverites, I look up to the sky and discover a bald eagle flying above. We've had the fortune of spotting a Bald Eagle on almost every one of our runs this week and every time I see one, I get goose bumps. Strangely, the eagle sparks a zest for life inside my weary bones. Witnessing this majestic bird motivates me to run a little faster and keep on pushing the jogger. And as I am joined by other people gazing upward, we the walkers and the runners witness the moment and this great part of nature together and the eagle restores my faith in people and community. In First Nations cultures, the eagle is a symbol of power and intelligence and because the eagle mates for life, it is also a symbol of friendship, loyalty and peace. How cool! How could a run not be great when you have an eagle flying over you...........