Woodstock
 

Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?
(Luke 12:6)

I found a baby bird outside and brought him in so the cats wouldn't get to him and named him "Woodstock." I kept him separate from my other bird just in case he had a disease which would have been contagious.

A little time went by and Woodstock was doing well. It took a few days, but he came to trust and depend on me. He learned his name and in no time we became attached to each other. He would sit on my shoulder close to my face while I did things around the house. Like all birds, he loved the soft instrumental music I played for him, especially the music that had the beautiful 'bird songs' in the background.

I believe all of us have talents and gifts that God has given us. Caring for sick and helpless birds (and all animals) is one of mine. I have a deep love for birds although I really don't know much about them. For those that do well, they are released when they learn to eat on their own. Some have died, but never without a name. . . .an identity.

I was preparing to go on a little trip and scheduled a friend to come over and feed my other bird, but I planned on taking Woodstock with me. Being so young, he was still eating every four hours by dropper.

I began to notice that his feathers were looking a bit ruffled. A possible sign of a sick bird. A couple more days after that, I was having trouble getting the syringe down his 'crop' and could see a white-pasty substance in his throat known as canker. It is deadly if not treated soon enough. Antibiotics must be given for three different intervals, but by the time the symptoms show up, it is usually too late. They will die from infection, and often from not being able to breath if it travels in their lungs and sinus cavity. It spreads quickly by this stage and their death is most often long and painful.

I knew by now, that Woodstock would soon begin to suffer the worst of it over the next few days and making it even more difficult, I was packed and ready to go on my trip early the next morning. I asked God to please let him pass away in his sleep so that he would not suffer this disease that was now quickly taking its toll. Otherwise, he would spend the next two or three days agonizing a slow and painful death.

That evening I prayed that he would die quickly in his sleep. I fed him what little food I could get into him, loved him and talked to him a while. I put him to bed about 7:00 p.m., played the soft music for him and kissed him good-bye, believing that God would take him home.

                                           Morning came and Woodstock had passed away.

Cheryl Taul
© July 2002

Woodstock June 2002

"Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them
and you will have them. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone,
forgive him that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses."
(Mark 11:24-25)