I'm so thankful for them! Every day holds promise of a fresh start. It may be a time to try something new, or maybe just try again. A time to embrace the moment and make the most of it.
We've had a wonderful reminder of this in our backyard over the last months. A pair of mockingbirds had built a nest in a low vine on our deck. We enjoyed the anticipation of watching the five blue-and-brown speckled eggs. After about two weeks, five little hatchlings filled the nest. It was fascinating to be able to see into the nest so clearly. We especially enjoyed feeding time, as the little open-beaked birds demanded their fair share. They began to grow and get their feathers. Their eyes opened. But then...something happened. I woke up one sad morning to find that all five were gone. There was not a trace of them remaining. I'm not sure if it was a cat or a predatory bird, but we were so sad to see them come to this end.
A few weeks later, the pair* came back and built a new nest, still in a vine, but this time much more hidden and protected. We were again able to observe the daily routine of the nest. This time, four eggs were laid. Of the four, three hatched. This time, they have grown to the point of almost crowding one another out of their tiny abode. I've been out with my camera a number of times (imagine that!) with the parents loudly warning me from the roof of our house. Hopefully they've learned that I won't hurt their babies. I just try not to interrupt meal time for too long! They have almost all their feathers now, and I expect that any day now, they will stretch their wings to fly. And what a joy it will be to see that!
* How do I know it was "the" pair, you ask? I just know. Of course, they have to be! ;-)
