Learning from the birds
I have just witnessed an example of tender loving parental care. Hanging on my back porch is a plant holder left over from last summer. A pair of tiny birds have taken it over as their home. Already in it are three fuzzy, little babies. They swing and sway in their cozy nest. Their little heads stick up once in awhile, especially when their mother flies in. She dispenses goodies and the father, a handsome redhead, sits on the edge of the container. When the mother finishes, he hops in and gives them more nourishment. What a beautiful picture to behold. Human parents could sure learn a lesson there.
Since I gave the mothers some space this past week, I want to say a word about fathers. Yes, I know it is not Father's Day yet. When I was growing up, my father "brought home the bacon." Maybe he did dish out a little punishment now and then. He would take off his belt and scare us, but never use it. When we sisters got into a fracas, he would grab us, hold us face-to-face, and tell us to kiss each other. Well, you know that usually ended in giggles.
He used to take me in the car sometimes, when he made a trip into the country. He would stop at a country store and buy sardines and cheese and crackers. He would stop the car and take out his pocket knife and open the can of sardines or cut off a hunk of cheese. Just delicious!
He never washed a dish or changed a diaper. The modern father is taking on some of those duties now. I think that is good. The old-time fathers missed a lot and so did we. So maybe family life has improved. I hope so.
— NORMA HANNAFORD
