Visiting "Mom"

  Several years ago, I successfully raised two orphaned baby birds.  It had always been my intention of releasing the birds once they reached an age that they could fend for themselves.  Instead of constantly keeping them caged, I encouraged the birds to be outdoors.  They romped in the grass under the watchful eye of their "Mama", the Old Bayou Dog.  Ezzy would protect the little ones from any danger and when they felt threatened, they soon learned to race toward her. Nothing was going to hurt those babies!  Ms. Ez loved her little ones and they so loved her.  Then came the time when the baby mockingbirds were old enough to venture out on their own.  At first, Ms. Ez tried to search for her lost wards but after a bit, she learned the hard way that the time had come for the dreaded "empty-nest syndrome". The old dog moped a bit but soon moved on to other babies such as an orphaned possum.  Ahh, yes!  Her life had meaning once again.

  Today, I was out seeding the hotbed with peppers, when I heard Ezzy whine a bit.  I turned to see her wagging her tail and looking up in the nearby dead black gum tree.  Uh, oh....not another orphan!  My eyes followed hers and soon realized that she recognized a visitor.  Up in the tree was a mockingbird!  Either Shelby or Knox (the names attached to the two baby birds) had come back to visit their "Mom"!  As I stood there watching, the bird flew down to the wicker chair just inches away from the dog's face.  There the bird chirped some soft "words".   Ezzy whimpered and nosed closer.  I could not believe my eyes!  These two were trying to communicate!  I do believe that the bond was still there! I tried to slip past the duo and grab my camera but had little luck.  The mockingbird flew back up to its perch in the tree and Ezzy pranced about happily.  

  The mockingbird stayed in the garden area for the rest of the day.  Ms. Ez was not about to leave either so I just let the two of them be.  I guess "Mom" and "child" needed some time alone to catch up on all that had happened in recent months.  Later, I did notice that the bird decided to roost in the jasmine vine for the night.  If the two interact tomorrow morning, you can bet that I will have the camera ready!  This was one of the most heartwarming scenes that I have ever witnessed. Now..all you human kids out there.....GO CALL YOUR MOM!  If animals can visit their mothers, you surely can visit your mom, too!  It would make your mom's day so much brighter!