BETH M SETTLEMYERBeth has always been fascinated with two elements in life; flying and wildlife . Her father being an Air Force pilot, instilled in her, the love of flying and a very early age. Growing up on an old tobacco farm, she learned the ways of the wildlife ad acquired a deep respect for the cycle of nature and the circle of life. After a career as an airline pilot and flight medic, she returned to other first love; wildlife. After studying and training, she built and operated a wildlife rehabilitation with the speciality of working with seabirds. The center was located at the ocean's edge and had the ability to pump in ocean water to the large salt water pools used for rehabilitating seabirds. This door to healing was opened to many, many seabirds. Each bird brought his/her own story of hurt or abandonment. Loving, caring hands of wildlife rehabilitators and volunteers helped each bird gently toward recovery, or end of life. Charlie the seagull's story was one of the most powerful and poignant stories of rescue, rehabilitation and release that the wildlife center had ever seen or been a part. Beth wanted to write a story about Charlie and share it with children. Not only to share her love of wildlife with young children, but to tell a true story of deep hurt, healing and release. Read More Read Less