Happy Birthday Baby 6.13
Pelicans have been stirring the heart of mankind, it seems, forever. Legends dating back to the beginning of time display the Pelican as a guardian, a savior, an inspiration, and a symbol of love, charity, sacrifice, protection, hope, and promise. I didn't always know this; in fact I didn't know anything about Pelicans before 1996. My introduction to the Pelican began when I gave birth to my second son Alex at 24 weeks gestation meaning Alex was a 16 week preemie. I remained calm, numb somehow, and 4 months later was allowed to take him home from the hospital, with heart monitor and my main companion, FEAR! I sat in the back of the car with Alex on the way home from the hospital, just now 4.8 pounds. I was comfortably doubtful I would ever be able to care for the fragile gift. Alex was born in Norfolk Virginia and we lived 45 minutes away on the Hampton Roads Peninsula so we crossed many bridges that day as I had often done throughout my life and it was on the smallest, last bridge of the journey home that it happened. I was trying to breathe slowly and anticipating my failure in the weeks to come with my wounded child when I caught a glimpse of the funniest looking creature sitting on the carefully landscaped rocks outlining the waters edge near Fort Monroe Virginia. I said to the driver, "Please stop, What is that thing?" a bit unusual but we were able to stop right there on the bridge and have a better look, about 3 feet away watching me closely was the first Pelican I'd ever seen. A Brown Pelican with a mussed head of feathers and a bizarre look on his face. I inhaled a deep cleansing breath and something released all the congestion of fear, I for the first time felt the strength to care for Alex. I was starting to smile when this Pelican lifted angelically into the sky. I had, confirmed reassurance that my life to come was protected, that all was well and tears escaped the dams I'd built. With the Pelican's flight I cried and I was born a strong mother raising a weak injured child. My breathing was ever easy after this sighting and with each glimpse of a Pelican I am confirmed. What caused my holy redemption? I believe it was a message, delivered through a Pelican thus I began to research the Pelican. In my research I have found many wonderful facts, legends, pictures, and poems. Thanks for reading my blog.
Paula Kristan Laxson
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