One bright sunny afternoon in June, mommy was out playing with you two boys in the backyard. Chalk filled hands, and dusty pants, we were having a blast. When out of the corner of my eye I spotted the cutest fluffiest baby bird underneath our patio table. Brody, you shrieked with joy just to spot him, anxiously jumping up and down asking if you could go check him out. Our neighbors cat, “Ope” (Oh-Pee) was right along side the bird, so mom was a bit nervous to encouraged foul play on that sweet thing.
Never the less, the Diego in you (Brody) came out, and Owen walked right beside you. We were all Smacking our lips together making tiny kissy noises. Apparently the way to call over All animals in our family. The bird was frozen, scared out of his little birdie brain. So, mommy had to tell you boys to go play while mommy inspected the situation a little further. Before I could get you guys back onto our chalk spot, a few small chirps escaped from the bird’s beak. Ope, was determined to make this the catch of the day.
Brody, you are a sensitive soul, out to save the world. Tears and “Help him mommy” were pouring out between every last cry you let out. I kept telling you to look away, in fear of the worst case scenario. And my love, it started to happen. Ope picked up the little bird by his mouth, and drug him next door underneath our neighbors truck. The bird struggled to hop away, and it was not looking promising. Now, mommy, you will one day learn, will help animals in every way possible. (Besides having one in the house. :)) I sent a few text messages to dad, explaining how my stomach was doing flips, and tears were welling up wanting to save this little guy. Dad thought mom was being a little over-the-top (who knew) and told me to leave him be. I gave it about 4 minutes more until I put on Dad’s gardening gloves and told you boys to stay put and look away.
I yelled at Ope, which I felt terrible about during the process. But I was not going to sit and watch this bird get hurt any further. Cupping my gloves together, I scooped up the bird and rushed him out of harms way. You boys were so happy to see the little guy, and we swept him into the garage where he nestled himself into an empty beer box. We checked on him every few minutes. Poor squirt had a wound to his head, but overall did not look as bad as I expected. Brody, you thought this little guy was the best.
NOW, the highly anticipated arrival of Dad coming home. Brody, you ran straight to his car to tell him the good news about a bird we named Ralph, and how we rescued him. Mom felt bad, knowing the way this story was going to end. Poor Ralph was now in Dad’s hands and he would probably be left outside behind the garage to let nature take its course. I took you boys inside. You waved goodbye and told Ralph you’d see him tomorrow.
Twenty or so minutes later your Dad come into the house. I wondered what took him so long out there! Dad has a look on his face, like he was bitten by the love bug. He told us to come outside and check on Ralph, and this is what we found.
A sweet little home was set up for Ralph. A little bit of shelter, a dish of water and some nature tossed inside. I couldn’t believe it. I was smiling ear to ear that Dad let Ralph “stay the night” to keep him safe. We then explained to you guys that a few things might happen to Ralph overnight. Either his mommy was going to find him and take him home. Or, he will go to heaven. Sweet and simple – Dad checked on Ralph every hour until we went to bed that night. We all know Daddy has a soft spot, and apparently Ralph found his way in. The next morning we all skipped breakfast and went straight outside, running to Ralph’s house in anticipation he flew away or was still there. Ralph was nowhere to be found. Brody, you jumped right to saying that Ralph flew to heaven. Both of mom and dad’s heart melted. We both looked down at the ground, and saw a icky splat of feathers next our feet. We would never explain to you then what may of happened to Ralph… so for now the story stands. Ralph flew so fast to heaven his feathers fell right off 🙂
Moral of the story my sweet boys – always do the right thing. Take the time to help others, even if in the end the outcome wasn’t exactly what you hoped for. At least you’ll know you gave it a try!