You know how as a parents sometimes you just smile and nod and say “Sure sweetie”? These certianly aren’t our more stellar parenting moments, but when you’re home with kids 24/7 it happens. There are just certain instances when this has more consequences…
For example, the other day when two of Baby’s therapists were finishing up their visit, in walks Anna, just like this.
Since it’s hard to tell in the photo, I’ll tell you. That’s a baby barn swallow in her hand. Which would be interesting enough as a parent, except for one small thing.
For the past four weeks that background chatter, the constant flow of conversation as been, “Can I please try and catch a bird? Princesses can catch birds.”
The conversation typically continues something like “Maybe someday we’ll get a pet bird.”
“But if I catch one can we put it in that bird cage?” (points to Hobby Lobby decorative bird cage)
“Um, not really.”
“But can we get a bird cage?”
“Sure.”
“Can I pray to catch a bird?”
“Okay.”
“Yay! I’m going outside right now to get one!”
“Uh, huh.”
Never. Ever. Did I expect to see her walk in with a real, live, baby bird. And, I should add, neither did the therapists. Holding it bird out with both hands she exclaims, “All of my dreams have come true!”
Prayer is powerful stuff.
She and Brett were playing in the shed on Daddy’s old Chevy when she found this baby bird on the ground. When I went back outside with her I found half a nest on the roof of the pick-up that had evidently fallen out of the rafters, another fledgling still inside.
We took lots of pictures and then a broken hearted Anna left both birds in the nest, certain I was thwarting God’s ultimate plan for the universe and denying her her royal birth-right.
There’s little hope for the poor things; I didn’t see any sign of the parents all morning and there are too many predators around here for birds to survive on a truck. But leaving them there is probably their best bet.
And Anna is praying for them.
Daddy's Tractor 