Life Lessons from a Dad named Decorah

It has been said that anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a Dad. Let me tell you about a Dad named Decorah or "Dad Decorah" as he was known all over the world. This past week, followers of the Raptor Resource Project Bird Cam from Decorah, Iowa, learned that we had come to the end of an era. The Patriarch of the Decorah Bald Eagle Nest has gone missing and is presumed deceased. It is devastating news for those of us who have followed this fascinating look into the animal world, which started as a research project and has fulfilled that purpose and so much more. So what makes Dad Decorah so special. Well, simply put, he was a character. By that I mean he was memorable, so fun to watch, and very inspiring. He was nature at its finest.  And while he was never given a "human" name so that his followers wouldn't become too attached and anthropomorphize him, it seems that failed miserably. We feel like we know him. We laughed, cried and learned a great deal about things that we could actually use in our human world. 

Dad Decorah taught us about Power and when to use it. He showed us Patience in dealing with his eagle family. He personified the term "Protector" which was so poignantly demonstrated in recent weeks past with helping to shield his eaglets from a terrible snowstorm. He was the unrelenting Provider and amazed us all in his hunting skills. And he was inspiring in his Perseverance and Persistance with whatever the world threw at him, including an occasional poop shoot to the face from the eaglets (smile). 

Dad Decorah, I have watched you for years and mourn your passing. For me, you were a Prince of a Dad. Good night, Sweet Prince...

"Now cracks a noble heart. Good night sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."  William Shakespeare.

  

Photo courtesy of Raptor Research Project--raptorresearch.org