Hopper the Bird

Every day is an adventure when you are a kid. There are so many things out there in that wide open world. There are potato bugs and worms and grasshoppers... and there are also birds!

The day before yesterday I was in my kitchen and I heard a bunch of birds making a huge fuss; they were making all kinds of noise and kept swooping to the ground. I went outside to see what it was about, but didn't find anything. About 15 minutes later Reagan came inside and told me there was a baby bird in our yard. From what I figure, this bird fell out of its nest a bit too early.

The kids watched over it and fed it potato bugs and worms and water. They made a little nest and a little shelter for this bird. They decided to name the little guy "Hopper" because that is how he got around.

I had to work that night and I just hoped and prayed that the bird would make it through the night. I figured I would have a talk with the kids the next day about calling animal control to come and pick up the bird so it could get proper care.

Well, it made it through the night and it was doing quite well. Until... until I took a nap and found Oakley outside alone with the bird. I am not sure what happened, but after her little visit with the bird, it died. It was devestating for Reagan. I told her he just missed his Mommy and died of a broken heart. So sad.

We had a good day with Hopper though and at the funeral after I buried that cute little bird, Reagan said, "Hopper, you were a good little bird and I will never forget you." And then she sobbed. Life's lessons can sometimes be harsh.

I am so grateful for a little girl with such a tender heart. She is so nurturing and kind!