☰Menu

What-Up Birds? A Heartwarming SOFTIN Memory

Author: Capt. David Bacon, Executive Director, SOFTIN
Published: 1 Feb 2010 - Updated: 6 Mar 2019

Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Overview - Related Content

Synopsis

What-up birds are a pair of seagulls who adopted the SOFTIN boat WaveWalker and visit us when we come back to harbor.

Overview

It is such a special treat to meet past SOFTIN passengers and listen to their memories. We had such a moment this past weekend while hosting a family yard sale at my home.

A grandmotherly type with three kids in tow came walked up the driveway.

I had a table set up with fishing gear for sale.

The three kids (ages 7 to 13) stopped at the table to admire the fishing lures while the grandma walked on to look at clothes and household items.

One kid said, "I've been on a boat. Do you know the 'What-up' birds"

That question about floored me, since the What-up birds are a pair of seagulls who adopted the SOFTIN boat, WaveWalker and visit us every time we come back to harbor.

If these kids met our pals the What-up birds, it had to have happened aboard our boat.

So I replied, "Yes, the What-up birds are my friends. How do you know those birds

The girl looked closely at me and I could see the recognition spark in her eyes. She said, "Hey, weren't you on that boat"

"Yes," I laughed. "I'm Captain David of SOFTIN, and Captain Tiffany (I pointed across the driveway at her) was there, too."

All three kids looked at her, and the same girl squealed, "I know Captain Tiffany!"

Tiffany rushed over and was immediately swarmed with hugs.

The youngsters couldn't talk and gesticulate fast enough to share their flood of happy memories from their SOFTIN trip with us.

At times they talked over each other and at times they talked in unison.

Through the whole story telling session they were wide-eyed and excited to relive and share their positive experiences and memories.

They had been referred to us by our collaborating partner, Child Abuse Listening and Mediation (CALM).

We have done many good works together.

These are moments to live for...

Capt. David Bacon, Executive Director, SOFTIN

Loneliness as a Public Health Crisis and Companionship

The WHO links loneliness to about 871,000 deaths a year, with teens most affected - a look at companionship as low-cost prevention. Published: 28 Jul 2026.

Life in a Wheelchair: A Personal Look at ADA Access

A firsthand account of navigating public spaces in a wheelchair and on crutches, and why ADA accessibility guidelines still fall short in daily real world use. Published: 23 Jul 2026.

Disabled, Not Done: Building Recovery in Tennessee

Adam Watson shares how a brachial plexus injury led him to build The Sanctuary, a capability and recovery platform in East Tennessee. Published: 13 Jul 2026.

Reflections on Accessibility: A Personal Perspective from a Radiology Technician

A Radiology Technician and childhood stroke survivor shares her path through paralysis, bullying, and bias to build an inclusive career in medical imaging. Published: 13 Jul 2026.

Tetraplegia in Turkmenistan: A 22 Year Personal Account

Personal account from a 43 year old man in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, living with tetraplegia for 22 years following a 2004 cervical spinal cord injury. Published: 2 May 2026.

Postal Carrier With 100% Disability Rating Hired

Jacob Sida makes history as the first postal carrier with a 100% disability rating hired in Alamogordo, New Mexico through ADA-supported accommodation. Published: 5 Mar 2026.

View the Full List of Related Publications

What People Are Saying

Start, or join, thought-provoking conversations with other Disabled World readers on this topic.

Share This Information

Permalink:

<a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/disability/blogs/softin-memory.php">What-Up Birds? A Heartwarming SOFTIN Memory</a>: What-up birds are a pair of seagulls who adopted the SOFTIN boat WaveWalker and visit us when we come back to harbor.

While we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date information, our content is for general informational purposes only. Please consult qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.