Balm of a Bird

A friend, Jean, recently lived through a remarkable experience. Before I relate what happened to her I would like to make clear that she is one of the most down to earth people I know and this makes her story even more impressive.

Jean had been very ill, so ill that at times her family doubted that she would recover. A serious operation had left her weak and debilitated. She was told that she would need a long canvalescence.Once home she started to try and rebuild her health and get her life back on track. She needed long periods of rest every day and decided to take these on a sun lounger in her garden. The weather was fine and warm and it was a pleasant place to be.

Her garden was a haven for many different species of wild birds. Jean delighted in them, fed them every winter and had bird houses in most of her trees. She felt that watching their busy lives would help her heal. She possessed a wonderful gift, she could imitate any bird song or call. Her family often teased her about this saying that one day she would sprout feathers.

One afternoon, settled in her sun lounger with a book, she heard the sweet notes of a blackbird. She answered his call.. A moment later he answered her. She carried on and so did he. It became a game between them. The following day, back in her garden, she gave the blackbird call. To her amazement the bird answered her. A conversation ensued. She then saw him. He was a young bird, a glossy black with the blackbird's yellow beak. He perched on the fence and watched her.

Days went by with the same routine for both of them. They chatted together, so to speak. He came closer, always watching her. She was delighted at his presence. Throughout the summer the two of them held their daily rendezvous, exchanging their calls and sharing their pleasure in each other's company.

As time went by Jean felt better and stronger. By the time the Autumn came she was almost back to normal. One afternoon her friendly bird sat in his usual place on the fence, looked at her for a while, then gave a long, melodious trill. Once she had answered him he flew away and she never saw him again.

Jean, now fully recovered, is certain that the blackbird friend helped her through the long convalescence. I have no doubt that she is right.

Copyright Jacqueline Hastings 2010