WE CAN SPEND HOURS sitting there, Daddy and I, in that room with windows that wrap all the way around the corner. He works hard to make the most of this stage of retirement, but his world is narrower now, that much is true. All of us—his kids, his grandkids—are grateful he has this wide view to the world outside, this wonderful window to his birds.
Look there at that dove, Cathy. You know doves eat on the ground. But watch him—he thinks he’s just a regular bird who can eat from the feeder.
There’s that Thrush. I thought he was done with me. But here he is, back again, poking at the seed in those roots. He must know you’re here.
Those are Hedge Sparrows. See? (We look together in the bird book, the one that belonged to his father, my Grandaddy Rigg, the bird carver.)
I always bring the big camera when I visit Dad—the one with the zoom lens—so I can shoot through the window to the bird feeders outside. We both get such a kick out of it when I download the photos and transfer them to his iPad. We flip through the images one after the other after the other, zooming in and out, identifying interesting marks on birds in every shot.
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THIS PAST WEEKEND Tim and I spent a few days with Mom and Dad, and on this trip we included Little Bit. That sweet dog sat in Andad’s lap for a long, long time looking out that window, watching and listening and considering.
I’m not sure I’ve ever loved any animal as much as I loved that little dog at that moment.
Dad and Little Bit watch the birds
the dove that wants to be a regular bird
see?
perhaps he is watching us
bet you can guess which birds these are
Love, love, love, love, love.
Cathy:
I love that photo and can feel the love for your dog and your dad.
My dog, Kally, stays right near me, but never attaches herself physically. If I’m on the couch, she loves to curl up at the other end, but never volunteers to spend time in my lap. Over two years ago, my mother lost her vision suddenly and completely. The first time she came to my house without sight, she sat in a rocking chair after a very unsteady entrance. Kally took one look at her, sized things up, and hopped into her lap, where she rested gently and lovingly. For the next three months, as my mom’s health continued to decline, we spent most of our visiting time at her place. Every time we went, Kally gingerly jumped into my mom’s lap and provided affectionate companionship. Watching that dog love my mother was pure and simple grace during one of the saddest periods of my life.
Mary Beth ~ That is just one of the most beautiful stories I have ever read. Thank you so much for sharing. I am amazed at the ability our little pets have for knowing what is in our hearts. Thank you.