Fledgling

July 26, 2017 

So last night we found a little fledgling on the deck chair. I instantly looked for what we should do, leave it...put it in a box...well after my research, because it was a fledgling and not a nestling (there is a difference) we were supposed to just let it be. Being a mama of 2 birds myself, this was hard...I was supposed to just let it be in the dark night all alone and let it be?! Well against my own thoughts I listened to the research and I just let it be. When we got up in the morning, I went first to look for the bird in the chair, not there...then looked on the ground off the very high deck, not there...then I found it! It was up under the other chair on the deck and still alive! It survived the night and managed to move all on it's own. Well I decided again to leave it alone, This time keeping an eye on it. Well I got busy with the boys and when I got back, it was gone...it made it to the ground. Where in my opinion is even harder for it to survive (like 47% of fledglings die in the first 2-3 days). As I was outside taking a picture, I hear a lot of chirps, squawks, whistles. I figure it must be the mom/dad watching out for this little guy. So maybe he's not alone after all, maybe they are keeping a close eye, but letting him learn on his own. This got me thinking about parenting of course and how everyone does it their own way. Then I began to reflect on our parenting style...

I'd like to think we are good parents (I know it should probably say parenting well)...but that's not what I mean, I mean good. I want our kids to DO GOOD in this world. I want them to change the world, make a difference in someone else's life, clean up a roadside, Pay it Forward with generosity...That's why I say good parents. I want to do good for our kids so they will live well and do good for others.

I also think that we have become more like the fledglings parents, watching closely...but not hovering on top of (like we were as new parents) We have learned it is important for them to make their own mistakes, it is important for them to bump their head on the table a couple of time because it is all part of learning. If we protect them from every danger in the world, they will grow up thinking that life is easy and should not be painful...but to be honest life is quite painful at times and they need to experience that. They need to feel all of the emotions and empathize not just sympathize with others.
NOTE TO MY BOYS: 
       I hope that you become men who are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty. I hope that we teach you to have empathy for others not just sympathy. This means, put yourself in their shoes...and think. Take time to truly listen to people...you don't need to share your opinion or your experiences every time someone speaks...it's not about you. Sometimes all someone needs is for you to listen, you may not know what to say/do but just listening, being unbiased, not giving your 2c is just what they need. Don't offer an opinion up unless it is requested by them, them by all means share yours but you better do it without judgement...because we are not here to judge any other human being. I love you guys and so does your daddy...more than words can say. 

Back to the fledgling and my 2 fledglings....I will continue to watch out for you and care for you and help you grow into birds who will eventually leave the nest. This mama hopes it will be a very long time (even though I know it will go quickly). One of my little fledglings, just figured out how to get himself out from under the table (while I let him fuss)...then he decided to crawl back under where he keeps bumping his head...#boys The ladies are leaking, guess I get to go feed my littlest nestling (he's not figured out walking so he's a nestling)..

Our little fledgling...Rexton named him "Bird" (original right)