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    Wings: The Journey Home
    Wings: The Journey Home
    Wings: The Journey Home
    Ebook131 pages1 hour

    Wings: The Journey Home

    By Elizabeth Hicks and William R. Hicks

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    About this ebook

    A young eagle struggles to remember who he is in this tale written by husband-and-wife team William and Elizabeth Hicks. Benjamin is one of three eaglet siblings who are attempting to ace their first flying lesson. When a strong wind blows him off course and knocks him against a cliff, he sustains injuries to his head and wing. Disoriented, he lands in a haystack on a farm where he meets a family of chickens and befriends Jeremy, the barnyard's smallest rooster. Benjamin, now suffering from avian amnesia, has no recollection of who he is or where he came from, and despite his strange appearance, he and the other farm animals (à la “The Ugly Duckling”) assume he's simply an odd-looking chicken. Ben spends his time playing acornball with Jeremy and the other animals but yearns for something greater and experiences recurrent primal urges to fly. Soon Ben's increasingly radical behavior begins to ruffle the feathers of Jeremy's father Humphrey, who fears he will corrupt and endanger his son. Meanwhile, the barnyard contends with the ongoing threat of the “Egg-stealer,” a mysterious, terrifying creature who slinks into the barn at night to steal eggs that the hens have intentionally left, hoping to appease it and prevent further carnage. Ben is determined to end the reign of the Egg-stealer and prove his worth to the community. Ben meets other creatures—a caterpillar, a phantom night-flyer, an angel, a fairy—who impart bits of wisdom that he doesn't fully understand but nevertheless confirm his suspicion that life holds greater purpose.

    “Wings” weaves powerful life lessons throughout a delightful tale that empowers children and adults alike to embrace and own their greatness. While targeted to middle school aged readers, the messages in this charming story are relevant and intriguing for anyone interested in human potential, just as many adult readers enjoy Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston Seagull. “Wings” speaks to the human condition—we all have limitless potential and yet we allow ourselves to be boxed in by limited thinking.

    Why do we forget? So we can remember...

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherElizabeth Hicks
    Release dateJan 21, 2012
    ISBN9781466159334
    Wings: The Journey Home
    Author

    Elizabeth Hicks

    Elizabeth Emily Hicks and William Raymond Hicks, both natives of Southern California, are a husband and wife team who met through a transformational workshop environment. During much personal growth together, Elizabeth, a.k.a. Elise, and William were inspired to write Wings, The Journey Home. Elise and William are both students of history, psychology, self-empowerment, metaphysics and quantum physics. Their intention is to teach what they have learned in a fun and inspiring way. ‘Wings’ is their first published book, and they are working on several other books, including a book of poems, short stories, and musings.

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      Book preview

      Wings - Elizabeth Hicks

      What others are saying about Wings - The Journey Home

      ‘Wings’ is a brilliant story that helps remind us of what we’re here to remember! Thank you William and Elise for showing us that with the power of love and compassion we can expand into and experience the gift that we are and that life itself is meant to be! Children of all ages will delight in reading ‘Wings.’ A clever parable that weaves together powerful lessons–the greatest of these being love! ‘Wings’ will help us all soar towards our best, brightest and boldest selves!

      ~ Laura Duksta, New York Times Best-selling author I Love You More and You Are a Gift to the World

      The story itself is enchanting and enlightening, but most importantly, it leaves you with a heartfelt warmth and wisdom for the soul.

      ~ Jeanette Roknian, Amazon.com Review

      "I found 'Wings' to be a well-written novelette that will be easy for youngsters and young adults to read and understand. The authors draw you in with touches of suspense, warmth and humor that keep you turning the pages. Once I started reading, I didn’t stop until it was done...the wisdom of 'Wings' is undeniable, and spoke to my heart. I was surprised to find myself shedding tears at some of the more moving portions of the story. This could well become a classic along the lines of The Little Prince.

      ~ By Moira Shepard Another Day, Another Miracle, Amazon.com Review

      "Wings, The Journey Home poses the question: ‘Why do we forget?… So we can remember.' As the story unfolded those words rang in my thoughts, and I began to realize the delicate nature between existing and being. The kaleidoscope of characters Benjamin encounters during his struggle to regain his true identity weave a tapestry of delicate epiphanies, reminding me what I have always known but sometimes forget, that we are all designed to fulfill a unique and wonderful purpose. Who knew a little eagle that could would be so inspiring? Bravo to Elise and William for delivering such a touching story of loss, enlightenment and liberty!"

      ~ Marlee Nelson

      "A heart-warming, inspiring tale suitable for kids and adults alike. It reads almost like a screenplay for a wonderful, animated movie that hasn’t yet been made, with, at times, an air of The Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland blended together. Great cinematic potential…"

      ~ Ken Marschall, Titanic Historian and Artist, Amazon.com Review

      I find it difficult to convey my accurate feelings about ‘Wings.’ I truly wish every family who have growing children could read it together. There are so many, many valuable lessons conveyed and make for a true meaning of life and our response to it. I believe every young child should have the book ‘Wings.’ It should be read frequently and discussed at the child’s level. This book will provide lifetime memories for young children!

      ~ Sister Mary Irene Flanagan

      "Wings, The Journey Home is a very well written and unique story of a young eagle and his many varied and interesting adventures on his road to maturity. Nice pacing, an original plot, and a series of insightful experiences on the part of the eagle and his group of animal friends, oftentimes quite exciting, make this charming book enjoyable reading for children, teens and adults."

      ~ Joseph Johnson, Amazon.com Review

      A sweet story, full of discovery and life lessons - perfect for children young & old!

      ~ Jo Randolph, Amazon.com Review

      Wings ~ The Journey Home

      By Elizabeth Hicks & William R. Hicks

      Copyright 2009 Elizabeth Hicks & William R. Hicks

      Smashwords Edition, License Notes

      This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

      This book is available in print at http://wingsthejourneyhome.com/

      Cover art & design by Ken Marschall

      ~~~

      Dedicated to all the children, young and old in our world, specifically:

      Jennifer, Shannyn, Shane, Brianna, Jem and Ranen

      &

      Dad (David Nelson), who originally encouraged me to read Jonathan Livingston Seagull, and for opening my mind to all the possibilities of life...I love and miss you!

      ~~~

      Why does the thrill of soaring have to begin with the fear of falling?

      ~ David McNally, Even Eagles Need A Push

      ~~~

      Table of Contents

      Prologue

      Chapter 1 – First Flight

      Chapter 2 – Forgetting

      Chapter 3 – Searching

      Chapter 4 – Who Am I?

      Chapter 5 – The Caterpillar Who Would Not Be Lunch

      Chapter 6 - The Barn Hall Meeting

      Chapter 7 - The Phantom

      Chapter 8 – The Council

      Chapter 9 – A Fairy

      Chapter 10 – Acornball

      Chapter 11 – Strange Notions

      Chapter 12 – An Angel

      Chapter 13 – The Plan

      Chapter 14 – The Egg-stealer!

      Chapter 15 – Farewell

      Chapter 16 – Reunion

      Chapter 17 – Vows

      Acknowledgements

      About The Authors

      ~~~

      Prologue

      A breeze carries the first hint of summer, making waves in the pastures far below the granite ledge. Sunbeams dapple the mountain range and farmland as they break through the silver-lined clouds. The ground is ablaze with wildflowers, and the world with the promise of adventures to come. It is a beautiful day to spread their wings....

      ~ Martha Lee Nelson

      Chapter 1 - First Flight

      There, there, dear, don’t be afraid…it’s really wonderful! Now Benjamin, watch me. See, all you do is flap your wings and before you know it, you’re in the air! Claire, the mother bald eagle, is giving her three eager, yet wary young babies, their first flying lesson. They are about twelve weeks old and their fluffy gray baby down has given way to their more mature darker feathers. She knows that it is time and they have been excitedly awaiting this day.

      They watch their mother with a curious mixture of wonder and anxiety. She is flying, or rather hovering, about three to four feet from the nest, and she expects them to do the same. Each of the young eagles looks at her and then down below their nest, which is nestled in an old gnarled tree, rooted on the ledge of a sheer rock cliff. You go first! they each say to one another, No, you go!

      The eldest of the three eagles, Benjamin, has been looking forward to this day for some time. Now that the day has arrived, however, he is experiencing conflicting emotions. He tentatively sticks his dark brown head out over the edge of the nest with his eyes closed. After a moment of hesitation, he very slowly opens one eyelid and peers down the side of the cliff. He gulps, and looks up nervously at his mother who is urging him to join her. Benjamin knows that his parents and his grandparents before them all conquered this feat, and he trusts his mother completely, but his stomach is filled with butterflies. He understands that he can’t remain in the nest for the rest of his life and there is no better time to begin flying than now. Still, that is one far fall!

      I could never live with watching other birds flying around me while I look on from this nest, he tells himself. It is this unacceptable thought that moves Benjamin to inch toward his mother and climb up onto the edge of the nest.

      Sensing their fear, and yet knowing that this is the natural next step for them, Claire gracefully lands in the nest and says, No, you go, and with a lighthearted chuckle, she nudges Benjamin forward, away from the safety of the nest and whispers, and remember to spread your wings! He glances back at his brother and sister whose eyes are wide with fear and excitement; then takes a deep breath and leaps. Trembling with an instinctual fear of falling, Benjamin forgets for a moment and begins to fall straight toward the ground! Claire is quickly above her son and catches him gently with her talons, while instructing him, Your wings, sweetheart, spread your wings.

      Oh, says Benjamin, shyly. In a moment, he is gliding. Wow! he shouts, as he discovers in an instant the glory of flight.

      Hooray! I want to try! No, my turn! announce his brother and sister, Delmar and Dolores, suddenly discovering their courage. In a flurry of wing flapping, they are all airborne.

      Claire delights in the knowledge that one of the greatest

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