What’s in a Name (Part 1)?
Many of us have heard the song “On Eagle’s Wings” composed by Father Michael Joncas. When one of our founders, Mike, was considering creating a non-profit to provide free aviation medical transport to people in need, this song kept coming to mind. In addition to the beautiful lyrics and melody, it has a special meaning to Mike.
Mike has performed this song as a duet a number of times during his high school years. One was at his brother’s Eagle Scout ceremony with his childhood friend, Michelle Fuller, now Michelle Link. He also had the honor of performing it at church services with his mother, Mary. These church performances are the ones that Mike cherishes to this day.
Mike’s mom was critically ill in intensive care at the same time Mike was diagnosed with and underwent surgery for his brain tumor. Mike was able to return to his mother’s hospital bedside a few days after his surgery. She passed away a month later. The church choir, which she was a member of for over 40 years, and the congregation sang “On Eagle’s Wings” at her funeral while leaving her choir chair empty in memorial.
This beautiful song carries a strong message of faith and promise of renewed strength for those in need. It is our prayer that the members of our team can be vessels to help bring 2814that strength and hope to those lives who are so desperately in need of it.
Isaiah 40:31 inspired Father Joncas to compose his song:
“…those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
His inspiration is our inspiration. We pray that we may live up to it and serve those in need.14