The Bird Story

THE BIRD STORY

Disclaimer: This story is written for all mothers-in-law and is purely an allegory.

Once there was a little nest situated high up in a tree in a quiet little neighborhood. The nest was safely built and well cared for by Father and Mother bird. Father found significance in working hard to feed his little birds and to protect and nourish their mother. They were happy and content. Daily, he flew out of the nest to look for food. There was great joy on the part of little birds and Mama when Daddy Bird came home from work to romp and play in the field or jump on the phone wires up above.

Each day, Mama bird cleaned and smoothed feathers and crooned to her little ones in the nest. If they were sick or hurt, she cuddled them under her wings where they were safe. Soon Daddy Bird would be home and they would be family. This made Mama bird feel so secure.

She dreaded the day when she would have to teach them to leave the nest and to fly. How could she ever push them out and get down in time to catch them? Instinct told her she must do this if her little ones were to have families of their own and to teach their little ones to be good birds and not bother the neighbors. She would have to eventually let them go completely as they fly away. But, hey, she could fly over to their nests for a brief visit.

Mama birds know that there is this common understanding between ALL mothers of ALL species. In the creative/evolutionary process, mothers protect their nests at all costs. Nobody ever messes with their nest or their babies. It rattles the security of the nest to feel unloved or not respected. The nest has to be fixed. Daddy bird is puzzled.

So, Grandma Bird flies over to check on things. She is wants to be a good Grandma Bird. She is a veteran bird and has raised her own flock to be good birds and take good care of their families. She lands on the edge of the nest with her head full of advice and knowledge. She jumps in and begins tossing around and instructing the little birds whilst, unknowingly, she is disturbing and ruffling Mama bird's feathers...just one feather at a time. Surely that can't hurt, right? After all, she is more knowledgeable and has turned out good birds. So, it's “peck, peck”. Grandma bird, unwittingly, leaves a mess. Mama Bird is confused. Isn't she the caregiver of these precious little birds.? What can she do but protect her babies and peck back? Her nest has become disturbed.

What if Grandma Bird became more of a songbird? She would come to visit the nest with her generous heart full of love and satisfaction because the little birds are so dear and are well cared for by Mama and Daddy Bird. Maybe she could quietly reaffirm Mama bird and cuddle the little ones and help out if asked. She could share her wisdom if asked. She would feel so proud to be asked to share her wisdom. She could sit on a branch, instead of the edge of the nest. Here she could fluff out her chest and burst into song. She would be so proud of her grown up bird that she taught to fly. And, now, she could bless these birds and be welcomed by the nest.