05/14/2020
Enjoying The Simple Things of Life Despite the World’s Chaos
In a strange season such as this, I find myself comforted by the simple, enduring signs of spring....rebirth and the cycle of life. Whether in the observing the regrowth of foliage, the sprouting of plants or the emergence of buds, leaves or blossoms opening on trees, bushes and perennial flowers or in simple celebrations of special days and its news, despite the world’s uncertainties in which we are inundated on a daily basis in the news of the precariousness of our current world health crisis which dictates extreme measures to keep us all safe, healthy and stop its spread of this deadly virus, rather than despairing and being stressed, I am encouraged by what I’ve read, heard and witnessed in some big and small yet poignant examples of hope, faith and love.
For weeks now, I have been listening to the early morning rustling and bumping about of birds outside the bedroom of the flat here in my home away from home in Scotland. One in particular is industriously gathering whatever organic material it can find to build a nest in the eaves and flashing of the overhang of the bedroom dormer window. It’s busyness created an annoying early morning sound of scrapping and scratching at the slate and metal, as it tried to find purchase to hoist its treasures up through the slanted roofline to where it seemed hell-bent on building a secret home far from ideal in location or convenience for itself or we poor auditors of its confounded racket.
I realize she, (I have to assume it’s a female), is just doing as she or any other female bird has done each year, just as generations of female birds have done as long as the underside of this flat’s roofline and flashing became wide enough for one as resourceful as she, to fit its tiny body within to provide a safe home for raising chicks. Under ordinary circumstances, I might have declared, “More power to you! You go girl! Determination and resourcefulness are key to success!” But for goodness sake, does it have to be done at such ungodly hours and with so much veracious exuberance!
Prior to yesterday, for at least a fortnight if not more, I’ve been wakened in the wee hours nearly every dawn by such racket it could wake the dead! Not at all impressed by these early morning invasions on my druggy, dream-filled slumber, especially after having to wait for medication to take effect in order to dampen chronic pain and allow me to relax to get to sleep, once asleep, the last thing I want to hear is the clamour of maternal nest building or the constant chatter of its construction workers. I shamefully admit, that I have no love for birds, least of all messy, noisy ones.
Yesterday morning was different! I woke to what seemed like even louder squawking mixed with muted cheeping. As I came out of my dream! I strained my ears to hear the varied tones of what at first I thought was a rude awakening. Instead of feeling annoyed, I smiled, realizing that Ms. Bird, who had been rather busy gathering last summer’s stems and leaves from the gorse bushes and remnants of dried daylily leaves on the Findhorn dunes, had overnight, become Mama Bird, with all the joys, trials and tribulations that motherhood brings with her excited welcomes to at least three little chicks, by the sounds of it, who were asserting rather loudly, their pangs of hunger for breakfast! The cheeping went on and on until suddenly loud scrabbling on the slate, indicated that mama had returned from her hunt, and was indeed carrying whatever sustenance these little ones required since once she managed to squeeze through the opening to her humble home within, all cheeping ceased....likely because she’d managed to stuff their gullets with enough worms to keep them quiet for the next few minutes before they’d start up again in chorus for more. She clearly was recognizing she’d have to keep very busy catching worms all day to feed this ravenous lot! Within minutes, off she flew to gather more breakfast. So began my contemplation....
In those moments that followed, what struck me the most was that quite literally in a matter of minutes, this little creature’s life had turned upside down. Clearly, Daddy Bird had high-tailed it out of there long before any chicks made their appearance! Not only had she the responsibility of sheltering these little ones, but now she was solely obligated to feed, nurture and protect them until they are old enough, strong enough and skilled enough to fend for themselves. Much like many mothers, feathered or human, she had accepted her role with determination, initiative, grace and love. She had become mama, with all the joys, trials and tribulations that motherhood brings.
Yesterday just happened to be my own first born’s 27th birthday. Thinking on it, time has flown by so fast! It seems like only yesterday that I was holding her in my arms for the very first time.....Last weekend was also Mother’s Day..... both of which I have missed celebrating in my usual, happy manner. I was not with my three children to celebrate Mother’s Day nor was I home to celebrate Lynsey’s birthday this year, which is especially difficult for me to accept having to miss these milestones because I am so far away from them here in Scotland during the most uncertain times in our world’s history.....during the Covid-19 pandemic. It also happens to be Lynsey’s last birthday before she becomes a mother herself.A very special milestone indeed. As well, for me, I can’t help noting that I’ve survived my first year since having been diagnosed with a recurrence of spinal cord tumours, after requiring surgery to remove a life- threatening tumour 21 years ago. I thought I had it beat! But life has many twists and turns and curves. What was supposed to have been a month’s visit to Scotland has become an indefinite absence from my homeland, my family and my friends, but here too, this life full of today’s uncertainties has joy, and beauty, mystery and purpose, growth and renewal. Though for all of us right now, it’s an unpredictable and untamed, time and even with the best intentions, support and health, not everything we long for, hope for or work towards works in our favour.....I do know there are reasons for everything......there are lessons to be learned, there are truths to be told, there is support to be provided and above all.....there is pure love to be given and received.....
So, recognizing the beauty of the cycle of life as was done yesterday which came with some poignant moments of joy and some heartaches..... I celebrated. As with the countless other mothers around the world.....and just like the little mother bird...... I celebrated these births, these special moments in my life and in the lives of my children and I continue to fiercely and doggedly defend any opportunities provided to me to be the mother I am......I wouldn’t trade these for the world.
To Lynsey, Taylor and Shanyn...
Though we are physically separated in miles and I miss you all.....hold fast that we are always bound in spirit, faith and love.......I am proud of your perseverance, your courage, your talents, your strength of character, your compassion and care for each other and for your community. Until we are together again.....
Love,
Mama
