Following this experience and the reading of three books, “Born Free, Living Free, and Forever Free,” written by The Adamsons, I became obsessed with the belief that all wildlife should be free. In my own little way, I tried to do whatever I could to pursue this mission. I began by refusing to attend circuses since my stomach and heart could not cope with the horrific scene of majestic animals being whipped as they were forced to perform for people.

In addition, whenever possible, I’d contribute financially to wildlife preservation funds and beseech my friends to do the same. From time to time, I would write articles about the animals which had come into my life, be they domesticated friends or the woodchucks and other visitors to my backyard. By doing so, I hoped that I would get people to think more highly about the gift to our lives that animals surely are.

I did all of these things and much more as a result of being so profoundly touched by the beautiful story of Elsa and her three precious cubs.

Exactly 30 years after being introduced to “Born Free” I sat down in a darkened theater and began watching the brilliant work of art named “Braveheart.” Once again the miracle that is freedom filled my heart and soul as I sat transfixed in front of the movie screen and gazed in awe while the magnificent saga of Sir William Wallace was presented to me.

A short time following my initial viewing of the film, I authored a lengthy feature for another fine Internet based magazine. The article was entitled “Forever Scotland The Brave” (a copy of the feature can be found in “The Archives” section of Scottish Radiance). I poured my passion into the writing of the article and remain very proud of my work.

Since then, I have watched “Braveheart” more often than I can recall at this time. My copy of the videocassette will surely give up its life one day, but regardless of how few funds are available, I’ll definitely purchase another when necessary.

“Braveheart” means much more to me than just a fine example of what Hollywood is capable of producing when it actually gives a damn to present something worthy of attention and respect. The film perfectly conveys the essence of what so many have died for over the centuries. It shows us how desperately heroes will pursue freedom.

Yes, it is the story of Wallace’s struggle and that of his followers, but in truth, the message of the film is that we all must live free regardless of what form it may take. Countries, if they can afford to do so, should be free, but “Braveheart’s” message to this writer was that freedom of the heart and soul is also critical. It is a God given right. Of this, I am certain.

Following the publication of “Forever Scotland The Brave,” I began receiving email letters from many people throughout North America and indeed the world. In fact, I continue to be contacted by new readers of this feature even though it has been available via The Internet for well over a year. That is surprising considering the fact that visitors to a web site rarely respond in writing to the authors of the articles found within.

For quite awhile I believed that the readers of “Forever Scotland The Brave” were simply expressing their love and respect for the film. More than this, however, I thought that some of the respondents were obsessing about the movie and perhaps going overboard concerning their interest in the film. While my readers were always gracious in their offerings of praise regarding my article, they would often go to extremes when discussing their adoration of the movie.

Of course, many also made wonderful remarks about Scotland’s rightful drive for its freedom. I was pleased to read their comments and expressed hopes, even though most of them had never set foot on Scottish soil (neither have I for that matter).

Last week, while trying to decide what I would write about in this month’s edition of “Reflections on a Dream,” I found it difficult to come up with an acceptable topic. At one point, I thought perhaps I’d conjure up some sort of column dealing with yet another of my appliances or an article describing a particular aspect of Scottish culture. “No,” I thought, “these just won’t do.” My editor’s deadline was fast approaching and I was not about to let her down, but I was stuck.

A few days ago I received a letter from a dear friend. Unbeknownst to her, she contributed to my decision regarding what the topic of this month’s edition of “Reflections…” would be.

This lady is a wonderful author in her own right. She is also a student of “Braveheart” and Wallace’s life and times. More than this, however, is the fact that she believes with all her heart in the concept of freedom. She believes in freedom of speech, choice and that of Scotland’s noble quest. I admire her and all that she stands for.

In her recent letter, she wrote once again about freedom and why it is so important to her. While reading her poignant note, I finally understood that “Braveheart” is so meaningful to my friend not solely because it tells the story of a Scottish hero, but because the message contained in the film is critical to her and, I believe, countless others. Freedom is our God-given right and that is the message that comes through loud and clear.

I also began to realize that most if not all of the people who’ve written to me have been expressing the same thing. The movie has touched a place in their hearts and one that is of remarkable importance to them as well as to me. I can see that now and have a renewed sense of respect for their lives and dreams. I therefore decided to write about the glory of freedom.

You are probably wondering why I commenced this article with a description of what “Born Free” meant to me so many years ago and remains true to this very day. The answer is that this particular film and “Braveheart”, in different ways, greatly influenced my life and belief in the pursuit of freedom.

The extraordinary story of Elsa and her friends’ desire that she live free helped me to respect wildlife and those who cherish the rights of all animals. Elsa had to live free and by God, Joy and George would stop at nothing in order to ensure her destiny.

Whenever you think of animals being trapped and sold into bondage, imagine what those creatures are going through and the crime that is being committed against them. Many don’t have people like The Adamsons to protect them, but I pray that angels will intervene and rescue their pride and freedom.

“Braveheart” taught me about what a hero will go through to reach out and grab the promise of freedom. Today, none should ever commit violence against others in a quest to realize a country’s rightful destiny, but if the mission is true and honorable, then the bells of freedom will chime. I don’t know if Scotland can truly financially afford to be free, but if it is possible, then she must go forward.

Yes, countries and wild animals must be free, but it doesn’t stop there. What about people who live in lands that are not shackled by the rules and demands of other nations? Throughout this world, there are people who do not live free as a result of the conditions they are forced to endure. So many poverty-stricken souls have to live in squalor even while they are capable of offering society so much. Their financial terrors, however, are so huge that their minds are not free to help them succeed against overwhelming odds.

There are those who are held back in their jobs by employers who refuse to allow them to reach their full potential. Many supervisors never give these people the chance to be free with their imagination and talent. The workers, due to their financial concerns, can’t quit their jobs, thus they are relegated to living their professional lives in captivity. Oh, some of them do move on to their rightful place, but many languish for years in jobs that imprison them.

A great many people throughout this world are locked in marriages and other relationships where their hearts are not free. These are the wives, husbands, girlfriends and boyfriends who remain embroiled in unions where their partners don’t respect their dreams of romance and other needs. Many do not depart their relationships due to responsibility and other issues. Instead, their hearts remain captive and the freedom to express themselves is denied for fear of rejection and other consequences.

Finally, there are so many in possession of magnificent love filled hearts, but are not free to share them with others. The reason being that they are rejected due to physically challenged bodies, racial and cultural differences as well as other matters. Certain segments of society make the lives of these, our fellow humans, a living hell, thus freedom to give all that they have within them is denied or at the very least, tragically curtailed.

Sadly, there are so many other stories to be told, but it is up to each of us to think about them in our own way and do whatever we can to help others. If we are also sufferers, then we must be determined to break free from our chains.

Freedom, however, does live strong and it will not be denied. Everyday, those who pursue the callings of their hearts walk amongst us. We read about them in newspapers, via stories presented on television, and, when very fortunate, encounter them along our paths of life.

The promise that Elsa and her friends showed in “Born Free” convinced me then, and still does, that freedom is a precious commodity. It is one that we must strive to pursue and cherish.

“Braveheart” also proved that freedom must reign in whatever form is important to our very hearts, souls, and spirits.

May all live forever free.

I would love to hear from you. My readers are very important to me and I answer each and every email. My contact is Gary.

You can find more articles in the archive under Reflections on a Dream