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Apr 7, 2010

Nature, Nest, Nurture



This is the Fierce Mama Bird. Yesterday my son and I noticed how big the baby birds had grown. Their smart mama built a nest in our Christmas poinsettia plant right outside our front door. Poinsettias thrive in a tropical environment so ours last forever. Just when we were about to remove it, however, we saw Fierce Mama Bird had built a fine little nest. We have watched her sit on her eggs until finally they hatched. Then we watched as she fed her birds. Fierce Mama Bird has fed her babies multiple lizards and other treats from our yard!



When we saw how big the babies were, I told my son, "She'll be teaching them to fly soon."



Shortly after that comment, I walked to our mailbox and saw the empty nest! I grabbed my camera and followed the chirping. I found them. But Fierce Mama Bird was still on guard! Go, MAma! Go MAma!


FIERCE MAMA BIRD

THE EMPTY NEST (outside our front door)




I'LL FLY AWAY, OH GLORY...
(two of the four baby birds...learning to fly)


RESIDENT BUNNY

MEL & TED AT THE DOG PARK



Andrew watched and waited for this park near our home to open. As my husband and I rode our bikes there Saturday, we were a bit wistful that Andrew had not been able to enjoy this park. But we both concluded, Andrew has far better. We love our boy and miss him terribly each day. Yes, we are smiling and even laughing again...but just underneath our smiles and in our laughter, there is a longing for Andrew to be present in our everyday lives. We console ourselves with the fact that Eternity is far greater than 12 years and 7 1/2 months. But, oh, how the emotion...the sadness and the grief...roll in like the waves of the ocean.


HONEYMOON ISLAND (summer '09)



ANDREW PUSHES US ON THE BEACH SWING HONEYMOON ISLAND ~


summer '09




My Handsome Son, Avery



AVERY STANDING ON THE ROCK


IN THE WILD BLUE YONDER


AVERY UPSIDE DOWN

This morning I am off for an adventure in the wild with my JENuine friend. Today for our Wednesday morning walk, we have a surprise planned for a couple of boys. Audra is in on it and will be our videographer. 'Should be fun. There are fake mustaches and lip gloss involved! Oh...and nature...and maybe a nest...and some nurture, too?
Edited to add: I totally forgot to use the fake mustache but we did remember the lip gloss. Audra recorded EVERYTHING. As long as my friend is agreeable, I'll share it here and on FB. We laughed so hard and you will not believe what we did. She, is indeed, my "Rain or Shine" friend. Today the sun shined.

22 comments:

  1. Melanie,
    Though I know nothing of the loss you are living, I've been struggling mightily with the loss of an era- the era where I raise children, nurture them daily, homeschool them. My daughter is weeks away from graduation, then off to college four hours from here. My sons have moved on- one all the way to California. I cry a lot.

    I have this overwhelming feeling that I didn't do the best job I could have with them etc. It's ridiculous and I know Satan is the weaver of the tales that are spinning in my head these past few weeks.

    Pray for me to keep thanking God in all things and trusting Him for every detail of my life- as I see you do here every time I read.

    We once had a fierce mamma bird, she dove at me every time I left the house by way of our front door. The nest was in a tall bush there. I was so scared of her.

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  2. I too love watching those mama birds with their babies. You got some good pics. Your daughter is soo beautiful, and you definitely have my curoisity on whatever it is that you have planned, haha...Have a good day Melanie. Hugs, Debbie

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  3. I love you sis, awesome pictures. Enjoy your day.

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  4. Oh Melanie, I cannot tell you happy you made me this morning! To hear you say that you all are smiling and laughing again warmed my heart more than you will ever know! I know that there is still an incomprehensible amount of grief and sorrow amidst those smiles and chuckles, but it is a start my dear :) Speaking from my own experience, I know you will never fully overcome loosing your precious little boy; but I also know that more than anything he would want you and the rest of the family to be happy :) I'm sure your words made him smile today! God Bless :)

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  5. Hope you'll share about your surprise with us one of these days. ;)

    Love and continued prayers...
    Jennifer

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  6. I can't wait to see the pictures from today's adventure; sounds super exciting.

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  7. Thought of you & said a prayer for continued healing for you today. Love watching the birds nest each year.

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  8. Praise the Lord for days filled with sunshine!! So glad you had a great morning...loved all your pictures. Your haircut is too cute:)

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  9. I love how you are moving forward an inch at a time.....I am sure Andrew is enjoying seeing this as well.......great pics of your children now seriously my friend I really would like to see you eat a little more, you are so tiny I am a bit concerned. Love you....:-) Hugs

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  10. Nature is such a fabulous teacher. I love catching critters in the act of doing what they do best, just being themselves. It's such an encouragement to me to do/be likewise.

    I also enjoyed your family photos, as well as your heartfelt expressions of sorrow. You give us all permission to love life while walking out our losses.

    Blessings & comfort to you,
    Kathleen

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  11. What a privilege it is to visit this post. I never know what I will find. It is fun to hear the laughter in your voice in this post. Crazy actions are fun sometime, and laughter is always a healer. I am sure those fierce waves do roll in often, and catch you off guard. I am sure the pain is great when it does. Your daughter is beautiful!

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  12. Melanie,
    I saw yesterday that we have a beautiful nest on our drain. I love the spring. The birds chirping and the warm sunshine back to shine away the winter blues.

    I just scrolled down and saw your Easter post, you all look so nice. I love your dress. That picture of Andrew is just precious.

    Have a Blessed evening,
    Dawn

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  13. Oh Melanie! Your words speak Life today....and bring Hope! I am so thankful you had such a wonderful day with the love of a friend and laughter together!

    The Lord continues to give you such tangible blessings right now, it just moves me soo! To see HIM pour out HIS love and comfort on you and your family is such a blessing.

    You are a fierce MAMA Melanie ....fierce in doing all that the Lord leads her to do for her children! You inspire me soo!

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  14. It is good to see you smile and have moments of laughter. I love the mama bird story and pictures. Look forward to hearing about your secret mission.;)

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  15. This is a beautiful post. I enjoyed the photos and your sharing. Praying still...

    Love and blessings.

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  16. I love hearing your smile shine through! I never doubt for a moment, however that even when you are laughing out loud that you still are longing for Andrew. Always.

    But he would want you to laugh and to enjoy life while he waits for you in Heaven. I just know it.

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  17. What a beautiful post. Love that all of us learn to fly! Great pics and can't wait for the video. B

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  18. You have beautiful children ... all of them. May God continue to shower his love and blessings on your lovely family.

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  19. My heart is singing songs of joy for you! It is so good to read that the sun is shining on you once again. We never stop nurturing do we? I had my grand loves over for a couple of nights for popcorn, movies, a birthday party at Chuck-e-Cheese, and it filled me with more joy than I could ever imagine!

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  20. I loved all your photos, Melanie. And I'm glad you are getting out and having some fun. Love you ~

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  21. Hi Melanie. My prayers continue for you and your family. Just take it one day at a time. If you can't do that...do one moment at a time. How precious to watch a mama bird take care of her babies. :) (HUGS)
    Sandra

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  22. I am so thankful that there is once again some laughter in your life. May God continue to hold you in the palm of his hand and close to His heart. Your family is still in our prayers.

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