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OM pilot, director and friend, Deke Clark leads the first reintroduced flock of migratory Whooping cranes over Indiana in November of 2001.  On January 21, 2002 our friend suffered a massive stroke and is currently recuperating with his family in Florida. Deke attends rehabilitation therapy daily and is continuing to make progress. Get strong Deke - we miss you.

Bold Journey
     --A message to Deke

On this bold journey,
think of the cranes as you recover--
comical in their curiosity
awkward at times, despite their grace
beautiful in their dignity
tenacious in their efforts
and unyielding in their survival.

Think of your bold journey with the cranes--
the heartaches of sad losses
the boredom of slow progress
the bewilderment of unplanned detours
the frustration of countless setbacks
but most of all,
the triumph of the arrival.

That arrival was possible
because of the enduring focus on a vision,
because of unyielding effort and willful determination,
because of teamwork and love and patience.
All that effort led to triumph.

Now let the memory of that bold journey
help you through the hard times.
And let your love for the cranes
lead you to triumph, once again.

--March 8, 2002

       Vickie Henderson Taylor