In between campaign stops, I came home to find a majestic American bald eagle perched in the cypress tree next to our home. Stirring the soul of neighbors, this national symbol completed a picture of patriotism with our waving U.S. flag and big red, white and blue campaign sign.
Never in all 40 years of living in this home on this suburban street, have we ever seen such a magnificent sight! A pristine white-feathered head and mottled-brown body feathers. Crows in a frenzied, vocal panic with 1 fallen dead beneath the tree. Patches of sunlight filtering through branches. An eye as golden as its pointed beak and fixed on me, but could I really see that far? As I hollered for a camera, this awesome creature took flight and circled overhead as if to give me a chance to snap a couple of pictures. Does anyone believe in omens? I did not think I did. My primary election begins in a few hours for the U.S. House of Representatives in Louisiana’s District 1. That soaring American eagle matches the groundswell of enthusiasm that is gripping our nation as we elect either a woman or a black man president. People are reclaiming their government.