INSPIRING STORY OF THE WEEK: CIRCLE OF HEALING by Jeff Guidry & Lois W. Stern
INSPIRING STORY OF THE WEEK
CIRCLE OF HEALING
by Jeff Guidry
In this inspiring story, a badly injured eagle was found lying in the woods. When rescued and brought to the Sarvey Wildlife Center, the folks there knew she could never be returned to her natural habitat. Her wings were broken – one in four places. Her injuries were so bad that they it would be a death sentence for her to return to the wild. Instead they had her wings pinned and began feeding her by tube. One volunteer at the center kept urging her on, coaxing her to stand up, to heal, to survive. His name was Jeff Guidry. But despite his pleading with her, she still would not stand. Then fortunately for Jeff and Freedom both, one day she listened. These two bonded together in many uncanny ways.
Eventually Jeff trained Freedom as an educational bird. They make appearances together at schools, training centers, festivals and Native American pow-wows to promote the rehabilitation and preservation of wildlife. And Jeff reports that she is quite the performer! Jeff and Freedom became so popular that they even appeared as featured guests on the TV show, Animal Planet.
But this is only the beginning of the story of the deep friendship between Jeff and Freedom. For just as Jeff helped Freedom survive, this beautiful eagle later helped Jeff in his personal survival battle. In this inspiring story Jeff explains, “Animals might speak a different language, but they communicate all the time. We just need to take the time to listen.”
Watch the video of Jeff and Freedom
Exciting news:
This story now appears in
Tales2Inspire ~ The Ruby Collection
Gifts of Compassion
So hopeful that Jeff Guidry is doing well. My classroom and I went to meet him in 2013 with my class and parents as I teach a Raptor Unit. I teach at Sunrise Elementary in Northshore SD in Seattle. WA and am known as the “Creature Teacher”. I’m retiring this year after teaching since 1971 and meeting him and Freedom was the highlight of my career.
Thank you, April for taking the time to let us know about your connection with Jeff and your good wishes for him. It has been a pleasure to work with him. Such an inspiring story from a terrific human being who apparently follows his instincts and his heart.
Best,
Lois W. Stern
Creator of Tales2Inspire
PS. You can get a FREE e-book with an assortment of six of the published Tales2Inspire stories by going to Smashwords.com , searching for Tales2Inspire Sampler and using Coupon Code: DJ82L. Offer expires April 26, 2015.
Yes, April, Jeff is doing so well that his story is being made into a movie. I am so excited for him! We have never met in person, but worked by phone and e-mail. Seems like a delightful guy and certainly an animal lover. Enjoy your retirement and much joy moving forward in your life.
I would like to know how Jeff Guidry is and why he left Sarvey Wildlife Care center and no longer works with Freedom. I loved the book and as a trainer for several years of a turkey vulture for a museum educational program (with whom I bonded), I feel so close to him and Freedom. What happened since the book was published in 2010? Is there any way to get in touch with Jeff?
Peggy, I was so happy Jeff gave me permission to write his story as an Inspiring story for my book, Tales2Inspire ~ The Ruby Collection (Gifts of Compassion). I spoke to him several times when we were working together on his story and I know it is being made into a movie. I know he spends park of the year in Alaska working with the sled dogs, but other than that I have no more updated info for you. Perhaps the folks at Savvy could fill you in. If so, it would be great if you let us know by posting on this blog.
April 5, 2016 :
Is Freedom still alive ???
Yes, Jimbo, Freedom is alive. They are making a movie about Freedom and Jeff tells me it is very much on schedule. He has shared other amazing stories with me about this incredible bird. Stay tuned.
IS FREEDOM STIL ALIVE ?