Beyond the Nest
Over the next few days, we watched as my feathered friend laid four beautiful, tiny eggs, diligently defending her “home.” Guests who visited our front porch would send her flying to a nearby tree, where she would perch on the closest branch, waiting and watching for any signs of danger. I learned valuable life lessons from this little mama bird, who was always diligent, purposeful, and keenly aware of the threats around her and the needs of her nest.
Soon, the tiny eggs hatched into needy little balls of fluff. Each day, we eagerly awaited the moment when these “alien-looking” lumps would grow feathers and open their oversized beaks wide. We observed Mama as she came and went, gathering food and gently feeding her young—always aware of their needs.
The following week, we left town for a few days to attend my son, Mitchell’s, college graduation. We cautioned our friend (who was house and dog sitting for us that weekend) to be careful when opening and closing the front door to avoid disturbing the baby birds. However, upon our return, I was shocked to find no sign of Mama. I watched and waited for her flurry of activity, worrying that something terrible had happened. Had the door been slammed, knocking the baby birds from their nest? Had Mama abandoned them, leaving them to starve? After several days of anxiety, I pulled out my step stool to peek over the bundle of twigs, and just like that, it was empty. Those baby birds had flown the nest!
Then the irony of this narrative struck me. Like Mama Bird, I have spent years building our home and caring for those who dwell within it, often in a frenzy of activity and tirelessly striving to meet every need. One by one, my own little birds are now ready to fly—first, my oldest daughter, McKinley’s college graduation followed by her wedding; my youngest daughter, LaurenKate, diving into college life, writing resumes, and applying for internships; my son’s college graduation and planning for his future. The joyous birth of our granddaughter and watching my own daughter nurture, care and diligently govern her own family. The full circle of life’s moments - lived in simplicity but with a keen awareness that time is a thief and these moments are to be cherished. This mama bird served as a poignant reminder of the purpose and intent of motherhood. I do not stop being their mother when they leave my nest; it just looks a little different. My role continues, as it has always been, to help them soar!
