The power of flying in formation

Today, I watched pelicans flying in formation. It reminded me of people I’ve lost…and people I’ve found.

Birds fly in formation to conserve energy and travel more efficiently. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an upward-moving current of air that helps lift the birds behind it.

Formation flying also helps with navigation, communication, and protection from danger.

As I watched them soaring together just outside my 13th-floor window, I thought about my “Uncle Johnny” — a fighter pilot in the National Guard who served our country for 30 years.

We “adopted” each other thirteen years ago when he and his wife moved next door to us.

He became family to me, my mother, and my two children.

We lost him two years ago.

I think the pelicans were Johnny’s way of saying hello.  It made me smile and miss him at the same time.

Watching these majestic birds move together as one also reminds me how lucky I am to be part of a beautiful community of women who are helping others navigate their paths to motherhood.

We aren’t meant to navigate this life alone.

Through our shared struggles and shared support, I hope future mothers find their own formation—people who help lift them, guide them, and make the journey a little easier.

Happy Memorial Day, everyone!

#MemorialDay
#strengthinnumbers
#thefamilyyouchoose
#infertility