Theodore

Theodore was a member of a Robin family.  He was one of four baby birds.  Since hatching, all were nurtured by Mom who brought worms.  From the start, Theodore displayed independence earlier than the rest.  While Mom was away from the nest in search of food, Theodore climbed to the edge of the nest.

“It is time,” he said, “I can teach myself to fly on my own.”   So off the edge of the nest he jumped only to fall to the ground. 

            “I know I’m ready.”  He kept telling himself.  With his continuous flapping of his wings from the ground, soon his efforts had become real.  Finally into the air, he did go flying.  “Hooray, I’m flying on my own,” He yelled this at the top of his beak.  In his excitement, he lost track of where he was.  He looked around and began to cry.  He didn’t see his Mother, Father, two brothers, nor sister.  He was alone and he was lost.

            Upon return to the nest with worms, Mom noticed immediately that one was missing.  “Where’s Theodore?” she cried out. 

            “He fell out of the nest!” The little birds all yelled at the same time.  There came an immediate search of the ground as Mom and Dad both flew about looking for the lost Theodore.  They made contact calls hoping he would hear.  And when the search came up empty, Mom began to fear the worst.

            “Theodore has surely been seized by some predator.  It was surely a cat!”  She told her husband.

            “You’re always thinking the worst,” He replied.  “From the time he was hatched, he was learning survival.  He’ll be alright.”

            With each passing day, it seemed obvious that Theodore was not coming back.  Each available moment Mom and Dad taught the young birds the importance of family. 

            “You will become impatient to grow up.  But don’t try to grow up too fast.  You will learn to fly.  You will learn survival with proper teaching.  Please allow us to teach you all what you will need to know to make it on your own.  Independence will come in its own time.”

            And in time, all did learn to fly.  They did leave the nest to go out on their own.  But never once did they forget family as every holiday, they returned home.

            It was on such a holiday when to their surprise a strange bird appeared at the nest.  But he was no stranger at all.  His name was yelled by all, “Theodore!”

            And now everyone sat on the nest listening to Theodore’s many adventures. 

            “Let me tell you about my encounter with a cat,” said Theodore.  “Was about to become his meal.  But I talked that cat down with kindness.”

            The story was a little bit hard to swallow.  But everyone listened.

            “We learn to respect all God’s creatures.  They have their place on earth too,” He said.

            Maybe Theodore’s stories were a little hard to believe.  But a little kindness and respect can go a long way in any situation.