This Mother’s Day I received a very special gift. That was the gift of an opportunity! While enjoying my morning coffee out of the back porch, my adult son came out to wish me a Happy Mother’s Day. Jake is Autistic and struggles with communication. Our relationship dynamic has had its ups and downs over the years. Lately, I have admittedly been avoiding Jake, due to some triggering behaviors. It was nice to have his recognition on this particular day. Jake asked what I was doing outside and I told him I was bird watching.
I pointed out some goldfinches off in the distance and asked Jake if he could see them. Then I pointed out the Orioles and Grosbeaks. He said they were cool, then added that he hated woodpeckers! What?! Why?! I was very surprised by his comment and inquired why he hated woodpeckers? He remembered that one year when he was a child and some woodpeckers removed many knots in our cedar-sided house and that Dad had to spend a weekend repairing the holes. Here was my opportunity to share my different perspective of nature and birds with my son. And maybe he would understand the magic of Donnie, the Red Bellied Woodpecker!
I explained that the woodpeckers weren’t trying to destroy our house, but they were just doing what birds do naturally. The wood on our house is like the trees in the woods to the woodpeckers. They removed the knots to see if it was a good place to build a home. I explained that God made them with strong beaks for just such a reason.
Jake is a visual learner. I wished that Donnie would have made an appearance while Jake was there so he could witness Donnie’s presence. I told Jake how Donnie was like a guardian angel sent to protect the other birds from the menacing blue jays. I told him how God assigns angels to protect us from harm too. Jake just smiled and went back in the house. I have never pushed my spiritual beliefs onto my boys. I figured that when the time is right we will have that discussion. Today I planted the seed.
Next Bryon came out to the porch to tell me he was leaving to go visit his mother for Mother’s Day. I was about to get out of the hot tub when I noticed some movement in the trees. Could it be? Yup, Donnie was here! I told Bryon Donnie was right behind him. He turned slowly and saw Donnie intently studying him. Bryon observed Donnie’s powerful presence and he commented about it as well. He joked about capturing Donnie. I told him that you can’t capture what he represents. He is bird royalty! Pure, natural, spiritual presence! Something that everyone should strive to become! Donnie doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone. He has mastered the art of “Just Being.” Donnie is my reminder to believe in myself. That is my wish for all who are reading this. In our busy, hectic lives, we should remember to slow down and notice the simple pleasures in each day! Give yourself credit for how far you have come! Always be ready for opportunities to share meaningful insights with others!
How did you learn to accept yourself? What helps you to love your life? Drop me a note in the comments.
Namaste.
Almost Missed an Opportunity
