If you’ve read my blog for a bit, you know I love birds.
It’s an inherited love.
Or maybe a contagious love.
Either way: I got it from my grandmother.
Some of my earliest memories are of sitting on her lap as she read to me, and one of the books was about birds and their nests. From shelves on her apartment walls, bird figurines looked over us like sentinels. Silent witnesses. “Ornaments,” she called them. One resembled a pair of robins. She lifted me up countless times to peer into their ceramic nest, to marvel at the baby bird inside:
This vintage 1960s figurine is exactly like Grandma’s. Her “ornament” went to someone else in the family but I found this one online a couple of weeks ago. It’s in perfect condition and now sits atop Grandma’s piano in my living room.
There’s another I hadn’t thought about in a while…until my recent sightings of bald eagles, to my great awe and consolation during a brief time of despair.
Grandma had an eagle ornament…whatever became of it?
I texted my aunt.
She has it. She told me that Grandma wrote on the underside: One of my favorites!
My aunt texted this photo. She said: The eagle is yours.
An unexpected, deeply meaningful gift. I am learning that the eagle comes out of the blue, when needed most. Even in my dreams. This past week I dreamed of taking a journey and high in the trees along the roadside were eagles’ nests; I could see white heads above the rims, peering down. Even in the dreamworld, I was awestruck. I woke feeling rested and strengthened. And watched over.
My granddaughters haven’t seen my bird nest ornament yet, and Grandma’s eagle is a way off still. But every spring, my girls stand beside me, marveling over the hummingbirds at the feeder. We watch Mama and Papa Bluebird darting in and out of the birdhouse with insects in their beaks, feeding hungry babies. I’ve held my granddaughters up to see real baby house finches in the nest on the wreath of my front door…which won’t happen this season, as the wreath has been removed. Micah learned to mimic me around age two, when I held her in my arms at the kitchen window; putting her tiny finger to her lips, she’d whisper: Shhh. Watch. Birds.
She is three now. She will remember.
Just as I do.
For a moment, I see Grandma’s smile, radiant as springtime sun. I feel her arms lifting me up for the wonder of seeing that baby bird in its ceramic nest, with its parents standing guard.
And I am quite sure I hear a faint rustling of wings, nearby.
*******
with thanks to Two Writing Teachers for the March Slice of Life Story Challenge
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You took us down memory lane as you shared your love of birds and the connections with your family. Such a sweet slice. 🙂
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There is something so magical about figurines and grandmas lifting you up to see its wonder. I remember a cuckoo clock that we had and always wanting to be lifted to observe its grandeur. This slice is like the origin story to your love of birds.
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There’s a lovely bird theme happening in the slices I’ve read in the last couple of mornings. You’ve woven memories and a moment so beautifully, Fran.
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Precious weavings of past, present, and future all in one sweet slice today! Your grandmother’s ornaments remind me of my mother’s collection of Andre birds (I kept her Christmas owl) and how we shopped all those Christmases over the years for just the right one. It’s powerful how these memories play such a strong role in shaping our feelings of being protected and watched over. Your grandmother’s legacy becomes your own with your granddaughters as you show them the meaning of sentimental gifts and the meanings that can continue to unfold long after we expect them. Beautiful, Fran!
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Beautifully written post, Fran. I’m glad you were able to find the bird nest ornament. I am looking forward to setting up a camera for birds this spring. The weather has been so bad that we’ve worried about setting it up, but I think it will capture fantastic photos of our hummingbirds, etc. It’s also wonderful that your bird loving personality is being passed on to future generations:)
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Birdlove! – ABSOLUTELY – me too! I love your last line – gave me tingles. I just finished self-publishing a bird poetry book – Wild Gathering – would love to send you a copy, my friend.
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A love that is passed down. A special bond that is formed. Beautiful.
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Fran,
I’m declaring today official Bird Nesting Day on TWT. I think at least five of us have written about birds today, maybe more. I’m fascinated by your bird watching origin story. The figurines are lovely, but my favorite part is that moment w/ your granddaughter and her shushing to hear the birds sing. Lovely.
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Thank tou for sharing those precious memories . Birds are a joy. It is morning here. While reading your blog, I am hearing birds calling out to each other.
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Lovely tribute to the memory of your grandmother and your love of birds!
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Another lovely post. The figurines are delightful, I’m so glad you found a replacement online. Your granddaughter is even more precious! I don’t think I’ve ever dreamed about birds. It would be awesome! The last little bit about you and your grandma is my favourite.
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Fran, you shared a beautiful legacy and your little girls will remember these stellar moments. You fill my morning with springtime love!
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