I know this has been circulating in the email for many months now, but I’ll just reproduce it here for the benefit of those who might have missed it.
It shows to what lengths some humans would go just to rescue a fellow being, and it shows that our fellow animal-friends have gratitude in their hearts too.
The story…
The Whale
A female humpback whale had become entangled in a spider web of crab traps and lines.
She was weighted down by hundreds of pounds of traps that caused her to struggle to stay afloat.
She also had hundreds of yards of line rope wrapped around her body, her tail, her torso, a line tugging in her mouth.
A fisherman spotted her just east of the Faralon Islands (outside the Golden Gate- California ) and radioed
for help.
Within a few hours, the rescue team arrived and determined that she was so badly off, the only way to save her was to dive in and untangle her — a very dangerous proposition. One slap of the tail could kill a rescuer.
When she was free, the divers say she swam in what seemed like joyous circles.
She then came back to each and every diver, one at a time, nudged them, and pushed gently,
thanking them.
Some said it was the most incredibly beautiful experience of their lives.
The guy who cut the rope out of her mouth says her eye was following him the whole time, and he will never be the same.
May you, and all those you love, be so fortunate …
To be surrounded by people who will help you get untangled from the things that are binding you.
And, may you always know the joy of giving and receiving gratitude.
Comments
2 responses to “A whale’s gratitude”
Wonderful story. I wish more people are aware of just how intelligent animals can be. I have a whale story to share too: During my 1-year travel in NZ 2 years ago, I once walked along an abandoned quay (with a few other strangers), and a small whale about 1km away at sea/ocean spotted us. It then swam towards us, and 'joined' us in our stroll along the whole length of the quay right towards the end, lingered around for a while, then swam off towards the sunset. How friendly was that!
KY, you know, as I reflect on your prayer/wish that we be blessed with the opportunity to help others, humans and animals alike because our purpose in life is to do good to others and help those who are in need …. I cannot help but feel sad that actually many, many are blessed with such opportunities every single day of their lives, sometimes several times in a day, but they turn the other way (turn a blind eye) and describe those that do respond (especially those that do towards animals) as "stupid and crazy" and have the capacity to wilfully go to great lengths to obstruct the good work of others.