July
03
Tags
Above the Storm
The other day I sat outside at a small café and watched a bird flying into the wind. I sat transfixed as she dipped down and then up all the while flapping her wings to no avail. She just flew in place, never even moving an inch. Eventually, she conceded to the fierce and wild wind and landed on my table. It might sound strange, but we met each other’s eyes and locked onto one another’s gaze. Then she seemed to slightly nod to me. I nodded back, and she took off, this time flying higher into the sky and ultimately in the direction she intended.
To have that kind of determination.
To have that kind of drive.
To conquer the wind.
I had to admire her. This delicate little sparrow tackled the wind. And she won.
Monday my brave sisterwife, Samara, wrote a post (click here to read it) about a storm in her life that is raw and real and was incredibly difficult for her to both write about and to share. She doubted herself before and after publishing, but she sought strength and support in us, her SisterWives, and we held her up and offered her encouragement and unwavering love. In a sense, we locked gazes, and then we nodded. She took flight, and she conquered the wind.
There’s a Native American legend my dad shared with me not too long ago. According to this legend, eagles love storms. They use the force of the winds to gain altitude to set their wings so high in the sky that they can soar above the storm.
Once above the storm, they can fly great distances since the wind catches their wings. They’re able to just be still and soar.
Soar above the storm.
To those of you who read Samara’s post and related to her words, to those who commented as much, to those who are in a similar situation or worse, my hope for you is that you rise above the clouds, set your wings to the wind, and that you soar above the storm.
The SisterWives 
Beautiful! I read Samara’s piece and have had no words to reply or anything to add that hasn’t already been eloquently spoken. This piece is a soothing tribute to her Monday words as well as the journey you have set out it. It’s also a great reminder to us all to embrace the wind’s power. Thank you!
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“Soothing” was kind of my goal here while also showing Samara how proud I am of her for her post on Monday. Thank you so much for reading and for your continued support because together we are stronger.
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Beautiful analogy.
***Rising above the storm.***
Yes, this is the only way to survive, live, move forward.
Lovely. xx
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Thank you. When I read Samara’s post, the conversation with my dad just popped into my head, so I thought it might be helpful if others heard the analogy too. It’s quite the motto…and I agree with you that it is the only way to survive.
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Beautiful words, stalker. I’m glad you all held her up and encouraged her.
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I can’t take all of the credit for holding her up, as it was a very united effort. That’s why we started this blog. We are a stellar force of support and want to share that with the entire blogosphere if you’ll/they’ll have us.
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Yes, I know how very united you all are and it’s wonderful.
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I try to fly above the storm… then they named this newest one after me… it is a little confusing… I can’t fly above myself… I know, because I tried it once.
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Now that I’d like to see. Do you have any photos of your trying to fly above yourself?
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Of course I do
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Great post! I also read Samara’s post. Equally great.
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Thank you for your support.
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Pancho! You’re awesome!
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Her piece was disturbing, and beautiful, and powerful. You never imagine being in a situation like that until you’re there.
She wrote beautifully, and this is beautiful and powerful as well. I admire your strength and friendship.
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Mandi.
I’m having trouble putting into words how much you all mean to me. And writing this was unexpected and beautiful.
Thank you for being there for me.
Not just for this post, but all the time.
I love you, sisterwife. You’re a beautiful, powerful person and I’m honored that you wrote this for me.
xoxo,
S
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I don’t even know how to respond, Samara. I guess I can just say this. You are brave, and strong, and powerful, and mighty, and I have no doubt that you can make it through this storm. You’re a little fire ball if I’ve ever seen one.
I wrote this because your story stung me deep to my core, and I just wanted to show you how much it means to me that you’re willing to put yourself out there for other people, for the sisterwives. In short, I’m so proud of you, SW, and I love you right back.
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Eagles are so intelligent. A good lesson for us all. I feel confident that with all this amazing support, Samara too will fly above the storm. 🗾
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I agree. I have no doubt. Plus, she’s scary strong.
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Mandi I think you might be the best encourager I know. For realz. This is an incredible piece. Also, that moment with the bird….WOW!
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I thought of you, Lizzi, when I was writing that, and I hope it’s okay that I sort of borrowed your word “transfixed” from our talk the other day. I started writing this, and it was complete shite at first, so I walked away from it. I went outside and listened to the birds and was reminded of my little *friend* and thought that she too could play a role in encouraging our Samara and the countless other women who needed to hear her words on Monday.
Encouraging has always come naturally for me. I have often said, “If you could see yourself through my eyes,” because I tend to see the good in people, and I love to share what I see. Longest comment response ever.
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Borrow any words, EVER, my dear – you made a Beautiful with it, and I’m so pleased you did. It’s truly lovely. And you are amazing – I think the thing which surprises me most consistently is your readiness to share what you see. It’s inspiring, and I know it’s one of the things that (certainly IRL) I am least good at. I tend to think very warmly of people but then not let them know, for fear of rejection. I do the same thing online, but to a lesser extent.
Seeing people through your eyes is something I enjoy doing – I love seeing your positivity and enthusiasm, and it just seems to spring from you constantly, like sparkling, fresh water purging the stagnant, lacklustre thoughts people have, and it engulfs them. I’ve seen you do it a lot, in various places throughout the Blogosphere, and I am always impressed.
I never mind when you give a long response 🙂
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Very moving and well said! This is a wonderful community and I can feel,the strength through the words!
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Thank you for reading and for your continued support. We strive to make this a community of support and welcome you if you may ever need a shoulder…or nine…or is it 18?
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I experienced a similar thing just recently. My dog and I were down at the river and I threw a stick for her. She flew into the water after it and then just stopped. The force was so powerful she couldn’t move. At first I was concerned. Would she panic? Would she get into trouble? No. Not at all. She tread water in place for a few minutes (ok it seemed like HOURS to me) and then suddenly turned sideways, grabbed the stick and paddled to shore. She dropped the stick at my feet, locked eyes for just a second and zoomed to the edge ready for more. Magical.
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And to think we are animals too and completely capable of that kind of will. Amazing story. Sounds like a pretty remarkable pooch, too.
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This was beautiful, Mandi! I also like that, although the wind and storm are the challenges and obstacles in these stories — scary and powerful — they also can used for our benefit — channeled into strength and power, furthering our goals.
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I read that post by Samara, and let me say that the flying bird metaphor is her. It’s so her. Well placed.
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I thought so, too. When I started to write this, I thought about that little bird flying into the wind, the spunk, and who doesn’t have spunk like that faceless redhead?
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It goes beyond metaphor. It’s just truth. This was beautiful, Mandi. Your love shines so bright. 🙂
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Love this…and I’m so pleased that Samara shared her story…
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Thank you, and so am I. It took courage. Lots of it.
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Such lovely, supportive words, Mandi. I know Samara is moved by this. You are a dear friend, and I’m sure Samara’s post was a big help to many. Good for her to have the courage to write it.
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What a wonderful post.
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Thank you. It was inspired by an amazing woman.
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