Laura's Corner

Accidental Drowning... Almost

Posted by Laura Beyer on June 29, 2008

There is a section under the roof my sun porch which has gently pulled away from the topside. I knew sooner or later this would have to be repaired, but I have yet to begin this task. Since then, a mother and father bird have decided to begin their new family in that specific area.

I have always had respect for the helplessness of such small animals. I am not sure why. Maybe it is because there is a place in my heart for those who cannot protect themselves. Could it be the mothering in me? Maybe. Yet, ever since I was very young, I have always tried to assist others in need.

As a young girl, I was always taller than others. By the age of 13 I was already 6' tall. Although I was not awkward, it still put me a head above the rest. I remember being teased mercilessly by others in grade school. By the time I reached high school, being taller was more accepted. Maybe we had other things to worry about, such as hormones, sports and driving.

I remember at times feeling helpless. I wish one person would have stepped forward on my behalf. I believe this is why I feel such a need to protect others and also animals as well.

Getting back to the new family under the roof. This mother and father bird worked very hard to ensure a safe place for their young. My daughters and I have kept an eye on this new dwelling. One time, another bird, a larger one, was attempting to move on in. I ran outside and scared it away. He was lucky, because I was armed with hair spray or something of the sort. I mean, it's not like birds have an ER to get their eyes and beaks flushed. He most certainly escaped a certain something or other.

Last week, I went to check in on our new renters. I noticed something on the ground below the nest. Three babies, without feathers, had fallen to their death. How in the world did that happen, I wondered. I felt somewhat sad. Where was I when this tragedy occurred?

I scooped up those babies, said a little prayer and gave them a proper burial. I hoped that none other would fall upon this circumstance.

While at work recently, my daughter called. "Mom", she said, "guess what? One of the other babies has fallen from the nest, and it is sitting on the ground. It has all of it's feathers and appears to be alright.". I informed her to call the Humane Society to find out what to do next. Fearing cats and larger birds, I wanted to ensure the well being of this tiny bird. My daughter stated she had looked up some information on the HS website and it stated that this bird was probably a fledgling. This is a baby who has jumped from the nest and will learn to fly soon. He or she has made the decision to leave the nest. I wonder how that mother bird feels. Probably as sad as I know I will be when my babies decide to take that jump.

My daughter called later that afternoon to inform me it was going to rain. I instructed her to put the baby in a box, on top of the recycle bin, underneath the nest. She did as she was told (for the first time in her life) and saved that bird. It ended up raining very hard and flooded the area where our new friend had landed. Had we left our baby there, it would have definitely drowned. Well, maybe it would have climbed to safety, but we believe that we saved it's life. It is now hopping around, being fed by mom and dad and learning to fly.

I was thinking today why the title of this article came to mind. I think I have an answer. I know so many people facing crisis today. They have either been pushed or fallen out of the nest. They were not ready. They are sitting there, maybe broken in spirit and it is beginning to storm around them. They are hoping just one person comes to their rescue.

I think it's time we reinvent the meaning of relationships. Do yourself a favor and clean out your friendship and family closets. If someone is not adding to your life, holding your hand, lending a shoulder, ear or anything else other than a beer, cut them loose. If that person is only there when you can do something for them, let them go. How about before calling someone a friend, make sure they are going to be there for you when the going gets tough. I can honestly say that I have one best friend. I have known her for 20 years. She knows everything about me and loves me for who I am. She has stated she would open her home to me if needed. I also have a few other very close friends, people I trust with my deepest of secrets.  This is what friendship is all about. Not someone who is just there when you want to get a drink, but the person who is there when you can't afford a drink.

It is time for us to help others. If you know you have a friend who is a single mom, single dad or someone who is facing financial difficulty, why not offer to help. Even if you are not in a position to "donate" to the cause, find out how they are doing. How about asking them if they need help. It can be something as simple as letting them know which stores may have a deal on clothes for their kids. Better yet, if you have some extra money, purchase gift cards for a store where they can stock up. The fear of most parents, single or not, when they lose their employment, is taking care of the needs of their children. We stop growing, but our children do not. How about giving them ideas on how to find new employment? It can be something which will cost you little to no money out of your pocket.

In closing, I think it is time to step outside of ourselves and look at the people around us. If you have been blessed, please use your resources to help others in need. Remember, you cannot take one item with you, not even the clothes on your back. Do something worthwhile. If you are not that type of person.... I will pray for you. :) You may someday find yourself in need and wish that someone would step forward to save you as well. For the rest of us, let's begin to "Pay it forward". Believe me, it will put a smile on your face and make your heart sing. Take care of your friends and family. They need you.

UNTIL NEXT TIME!