-by Cari Minor

When my father passed in the coldest “arctic

vortex” of March, 2014 I woke up two days later

and told my family I was going out for a half hour

walk. I ended up walking the streets of my

childhood home in Madison, Wisconsin for over

three hours. Somehow the numbing cold felt

comforting to me and nearing the end of my walk

I ended up sitting on a park bench in Owen

Woods. As I sat there staring at the overcast sky

and the bleak barren trees a beautiful Bald Eagle

flew towards me. It circled me three times and

then vanished into the clouds. Just two nights

before I had sat vigil with my oldest brother as

we watched our dad take his last three breaths.

There was no doubt in my mind that this eagle

flying above my head was my father letting me

know he was in a good place beyond the veil.

Now, years later while running the Ned Dam or

up on Rollins Pass Road I have been visited by

this beautiful raptor who has taken on an even

more deep and beautiful meaning to me.

While driving home on Peak To Peak HWY I had

the immense privilege of talking and visiting with

this eagle. He sat there and stared down at the

lake and then turned his glance towards me. This

photo is the capture of that moment.

I am thankful that I run, hike and walk in nature

with open eyes, open ears and an open heart.

You never know what you might be missing.