23 Comments
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INGRID C DURDEN's avatar

What a lovely story. Have been fascinated by owls for most of my life, mom having to drag me away with the cage of owls in the zoo, wearing an owl token for many years, and having owls in the yard at times.

I do not believe in coincidence. Too many things have happened in my life, it seemed like a slightly off map of where to go, and sometimes not off at all!

That pic is beautiful Walter Paulo Bebirian!

John Patrick Weiss's avatar

I've always loved owls too, INGRID. They're kind of magical.

Jeff Helman's avatar

Wow! The story; the song. Soul-replenishing. Thank you!

John Patrick Weiss's avatar

Glad you liked the story and song, Jeff. Thanks.

Brenda Soer's avatar

I like that piece of music...very soulful

John Patrick Weiss's avatar

I agree, Brenda, it's a beautiful song and sung/performed/recorded so expertly.

Georgia Westlake's avatar

I so love your writing- and this story particularly resonates with me right now. How do I save that wonderful song to my phone?

John Patrick Weiss's avatar

Thanks so much, Georgia. I'm not sure how you save the song, but I'd think you could copy and paste it somehow. Try Googling a solution (sorry, I'm technically challenged).

JoySee's avatar

Thank you! the dance between nature, humanity, kand spirituaity is so beautiful, and you said it so well.

John Patrick Weiss's avatar

Thanks for reading, JoySee.

Shikhil Vyas's avatar

It's been a while since I've read something so good. Thank you for writing this. Thank you for always comforting and inspiring me with your words. Really appreciate you, John. ❤️

John Patrick Weiss's avatar

You’re welcome, Shikhil, and I appreciate the kind words. Always nice to hear from you and all the best for 2026 and beyond.

Lynn Nielsen's avatar

This took my breath away. Thank you

John Patrick Weiss's avatar

Thanks, Lynn, glad you enjoyed the story.

Michelle Wheeler's avatar

Was it a coincidence that I opened this article and recognized that I'm not a writer, but I learned much about my life when reading this? There were a few tears, but reading the advice in the piece gave me hope. Maybe one day I'll turn down a wrong road and dance with an owl.

John Patrick Weiss's avatar

I wrote the story to inspire people, to dance to their own music, believe in themselves, heal a little. So if the story spoke to you, Michelle, then that makes me happy. Thanks for reading.

Raj Nair's avatar

That was a lovely and touching story, which inspired a military veteran to compose a song.

Your observations to an earlier comment of mine concerning Thanksgiving, inspired me to pen a few lines. My apologies for the out of context posting 🙏 .

Thanksgiving Day Walk

On Thanksgiving morning, the sky softly glowed,

As I wandered the path where the cool breezes flowed.

A man in a wheelchair rolled out, plate in hand,

A small covered meal, quietly planned.

He’d dine on his own, yet with quiet grace,

Carrying warmth from the store to his place.

Along the green benches, in sunlight or shade,

A handful of others their own meals ate.

Scattered like leaves in the hush of the park,

Each one a story, each ember a spark.

Alone, yet together beneath the same sky,

Their solitude whispered a tender reply.

I walked back home with their moments in mind,

Reflecting on blessings both humble and kind.

There on the table, abundant and bright,

A feast from a neighbor—a gesture of delight.

Turkey that melted like gratitude’s song,

A meal shared with loved ones where hearts feel strong.

And so I give thanks for the sights of that day:

For kindness unspoken, for lives on the way,

For those who sit lonely, for those who reach out,

For gifts unexpected, the grace all about.

Thanksgiving is more than a plate or a prayer:

It’s seeing the world with a heart that can care.

John Patrick Weiss's avatar

Thanks, Raj. I particularly like the line "For those who sit lonely" as there are so many lonely souls in this world, especially among the elderly who often feel irrelevant and forgotten.

Julie Tave's avatar

Lovely John...poetic and convincing

John Patrick Weiss's avatar

Many thanks, Julie, glad you like the story.