today's lesson

you know i've been a curious observer of the robin's nest.  i have done nothing to educate myself about the process except for to watch every day and notice the subtle changes.  so, i am often in anticipation (maybe for no reason) of what the new day will bring.  in the last week mama has not been sitting on the nest as much.  i was somewhat worried about its location on the fence post.  i lamented with my aunt about new mothers and their lack of experience.  it's a busy place in the yard, and obviously low.  i've worried about our family bothering hers and worried about visitors (raccoons and squirrels) disturbing the nest.  this morning i was nervous when i didn't see her little tail feathers poking up, and quickly became horrified as i saw the nest leaning far to one side.  i was sure it had been tampered with.  i contemplated taking action.  i was afraid to go near it because i would hate to interfere, but i had this longing to save those babies.  i looked for eggs on the ground...nothing.  as i stood there, thinking, i saw a beak reach for the sky in the middle of the fuzzy down on the bottom of the nest.  and there was life.  sweet little babies waiting for their breakfast.  

as all of this was happening, my gram's friends (remember the sweet couple from sp and beans birthday party?) strolled by on their morning walk.  i pounced on them and dragged them to the nest.  before i could even get the question out...he was shaking his head at me.  and with kind but firm words, in a way only a grandfather could muster, he said,  "no...don't touch the nest.  if it were in a tree we would not touch the nest.  new mothers have to learn.  we always want to help."  with gentle eyes he looked at me and said this last bit.  i felt like he was delivering a message straight to my heart.  i needed to remember that it's ok to let go.