Easy Bird Feeder

Goldfinches have been like members of our family since our dad designed the Mr. Canary finch feeder. Their stunning summer coloring and their people friendly ways made them welcome to our backyards. I can think of so many times that I have seen life lessons in their behaviors. They arrive in pairs and come to stay. They feed near our windows and will join us in the yard. They gather bits and pieces of this and that for their tiny nests and when the time comes for babies, they are not to be seen. They know their priorities.

I was thinking back about a few other birds that I 'knew'. When my daughter, was about to be married, a mother robin built her nest in the wreath hanging beside my front door. I checked on the blue eggs each day and was as excited as if I were their mother the first time I saw their scrawny little bodies with their over-sized heads wobbling, mouths open wide to let someone know they were hungry. Often each day, I would peek into the nest. I was amazed at how fast they grew. Soon it was comical at how those fat little birds were actually lopped over the sides of the nest so they could still stuff their too big bodies in their familiar home. The mother would sit on our wall and call to them. I imagined that she was saying, “OK you guys, it’s time for you to move out! Your dad and I have things we want to do.”  On the very day my girl was leaving for her wedding and new life, those birds flew out of the nest. What a moment. I was shown by nature itself that the time does come for things to change and only by leaving the nest can we fly.

A few days ago and a few hours after Mother's Day, I had another life lesson.  My precious Mom passed from this life to the next.  We didn't expect it and I definitely was not prepared to be flung from my nest.  I live across the street from Mom.  Every moment I am reminded that things have changed.  I wish I could see her again.  I wish I could hug her one more time. But, the sun is out today and I can see a little more clearly.  She loved me, trained me and now she expects me to fly.  I'm trying.