There comes a moment in life—often in childhood—when we quietly wonder, “Who am I really?” It is a question that lies beneath every fear, every dream, and every hope. Identity is not simply about what we look like or what we can do today. It is about who we are created to become. In Oh My!… I Can Fly! – The Birdie Story, Michele Gajdzis reveals this truth through the tender journey of Barry, a small bird who spends much of his life believing he is something far less than he truly is. His transformation into an eagle is not just a moment of flight—it is a powerful moment of self-discovery. And through his story, Michele offers children and adults a gentle reminder: our true identity is often greater, braver, and more beautiful than we imagine.

At the beginning of the story, Barry lives alone in a locked cage at the top of a mountain. With no feathers and no knowledge of who he is, he watches other birds fly with grace and freedom. “I wish I could fly just like them,” he sighs, feeling small and limited. This longing is not just about flight—it represents the deep human desire to understand one’s purpose. Barry sees what others can do, but he cannot yet see what he is capable of. His cage symbolizes confusion, fear, and self-doubt—the emotional barriers that keep children from recognizing their worth. It is here that the question of identity begins.  Everything changes when Wally Bird appears—a colorful, kind, confident friend who sees beyond Barry’s appearance. While Barry sees himself as a small, featherless creature, Wally sees the truth: “You are an eagle and were created to soar.” This single revelation becomes the foundation of the book’s central message. Identity is not determined by current circumstances. It is determined by design—by the inner qualities, abilities, and purpose woven into us from the beginning. Barry doesn’t believe Wally at first, and this hesitation reflects how many children feel when they are told they are capable, strong, and full of potential. They hear the words, but they cannot yet recognize themselves in them.

Wally begins bringing Promise Feathers—blue, red, yellow—each with golden letters that Barry does not yet understand. These feathers are symbolic pieces of identity. They represent gifts, strengths, and truths that belong to Barry even before he is ready to claim them. Hope, strength, and joy are not rewards given after success—they are part of who he is. Michele intentionally places these feathers into Barry’s life early, showing that identity develops long before awareness does. Encouragement, guidance, and spiritual grounding shape a child’s understanding of themselves, even when they cannot fully interpret it.  The next stage of Barry’s journey introduces Kenny Bird, the strong eagle who teaches him how to flap his wings. Kenny’s role shows the importance of mentorship in shaping identity. Children do not simply grow into who they are meant to be—they learn, practice, stumble, and rise through the support of those who teach them. Kenny encourages Barry to work hard, reminding him that identity is not only a belief—it is also a process. Becoming involves effort. It involves training the mind and the heart. As Barry flaps his wings with frustration, Kenny urges, “Don’t give up,” showing that part of discovering who you are includes pushing through challenges.

Yet even with support, Barry still struggles. He tries and fails, tries and fails again. His confusion grows: “What’s wrong? I have all the feathers I need. Why can’t I move?” This moment represents the common phase in personal growth when we cannot see progress, even though it is happening inside us. Many children—and adults—reach this point. They expect identity to reveal itself instantly, yet the truth is that identity unfolds slowly. Barry must learn patience, resilience, and trust. Michele uses this part of the story to teach that discovering who we truly are often happens through perseverance, not immediate success. Harmony Bird enters the story next, bringing music and joy. Her presence adds emotional depth to Barry’s development. Identity is not only built through effort and encouragement—it is shaped by joy, by connection, and by voices that lift our spirit. Harmony’s songs fill Barry with hope again, reminding readers that love and positivity fuel self-discovery. Through Harmony, the author shows that emotional support is just as important as guidance. Children learn who they are through the way they are loved, heard, and valued.

Then comes the defining moment: the mountain shakes, the cage swings, and the locked door breaks open. Barry is free. But even then, he hesitates. Identity is not simply realizing the cage is open—it is choosing to step out. This hesitation reflects Michele’s own story, shared in her questionnaire. As a young wife and mother searching for healing, she discovered that faith and love brought transformation, but she also had to choose to step into her own freedom. Barry’s trembling step mirrors her experience. Through Barry’s journey, Michele Gajdzis offers a heartfelt truth: discovering your true identity is a process shaped by encouragement, love, patience, and reflection.