“Bird?”

Wednesday, July 05, 2023

Last night went as anticipated, with loud noises frightening my dogs. This year, the noises were worse. A nearby neighbor, entertaining guests and setting off rockets, created many very loud bangs. I coped with nervous, worried dogs and felt thankful that my floors are covered in manufactured viny and easy to clean. Also, I’m thankful for this year’s 4th being history.

It’s the anniversary of my having rescued a Robin baby a couple of years ago. It had fallen from the nest and was helpless. Raising that fledgling was one of my most fun experiences. The bird and I developed a close, trusting relationship. Seeing it grow and develop to independence became memorable. I hoped the mature version would hang around, but one day it flew. Then, I hoped it would return someday to visit, which hasn’t happened far as I know. I keep looking for it anyway.

I wouldn’t recognize “my Robin,” but I hope it would remember my call. So these days, I spend time outside saying, “Bird?” in the tone and voice which I used to call it to me. In its baby days, the bird came immediately, at first from perches in the garage and later, flying from various trees. Until one day, my bird was gone.

I am a “bird person” and struggled about making this Robin a pet or letting it go wild. I’m glad I let it go, but I always wonder how its life has been.

Dear Friends: On my way outside now to make some calls for “Bird?” Diana