One autumn day several years ago I was working on the outside of a customer's office. While working I heard a faint, but distinct noise. It reminded me of some small animal trying to free itself from a cage or a box. There was an intense scratching, some muttering and a whole variety of sounds. Mostly, it was the sound of struggle.

Within a few moments I had caught sight of a very young fledgling bird trapped between the sidewalk and a drainage area. All of a sudden I began to experience a deep and rippled burst of pulsating energy in my chest cavity. I was temporarily stunned, not knowing why. Soon I was back to looking after the little fallen bird but felt unable to do anything for it. I still felt a numbness in my mind, "Who will take care of this little creature?" Without thought I went inside for help. Within minutes several folks had secured a ladder and together we engaged in the gentle task of replacing the bird back into its nest lodged up on the wall.

Driving home later I mused on this strange event. What did it mean? Why was I so physically shaken and so suddenly? What was this question all about which I had heard? The answers to these questions began to pour into my mind. The bird represented my little daughter born 6-8 months prior and born severely disabled, but still living. The shaking referred to the violent upheaval my wife and I had undergone since she had been born . . the many sleepless nights, the medical bills, the constant care, the change into 24 hour days of watching her. The question? "Who will take care of this little creature?" This must mean that we couldn't do it alone, we needed the loving hands and hearts of others, we needed her Creator. Ultimately, it means that anyone who lives deserves our utmost love and protection, though that person may never fly.

Jonathan - a dad to Allison -
Gurnee, IL.