Soaring Eagle
A universal creature of spirit compels a patient to soar high ...

The number one theme requested by patients continues to be wildlife. With this in mind, I headed to the chemotherapy unit recently with a stunning new image of an eagle in flight.

Soaring High (Image by Bruce McGaw Graphics)

The first gentleman I approached could not have cared less, so I toodled along until I caught the eye of another man who could barely contain his excitement. This big, burly, self-declared cowboy suddenly began to cry. I sat down and waited quietly until he composed himself and began to tell the remarkable story of how he had been given the honourary name "Soaring Eagle" by a First Nations friend. Apparently, the tatoo he had configured on his arm as a result looked identical to the image I was holding in my hand. He even tried to show me inspite of a hefty configuration of intravenous lines.

The man spoke passionately about his connection to this bird of prey, noting the many ways that eagles guided him in his life. If he could just return to the bed where our picture, "Soaring Eagle" was placed, he would feel confident and protected during his rigorous treatment protocol. I suggested that he speak with the nurses who would do all they could to accommodate.

By the time the gentleman had finished telling me the story, his chemo infusion was also complete, much to our amazement. He appeared not only jubilant but said he was far less fearful of his upcoming treatment now that he knew he could request the eagle picture as his guardian during the protocol.

Even as the tears of appreciation continued to sparkle in his eyes, I somehow felt that I was the one who had been gifted beyond measure through this heartfelt exchange.