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July 10, 2002 - His Eye is on the Sparrow
Welcome to 2TheHeart!
"I believe in taking a positive attitude toward the world. My hope still is to leave the world a little bit better than when I got here." ~Jim Henson
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It's always a joy to read Betty's stories, and her upbeat attitude has enabled her to see the lessons in her life and share them with us. Send her an email to brighten her day as she recovers from a serious accident and stay in the hospital. We love you Betty!
"His Eye Is On the Sparrow"
by Betty King
When you leave a house vacant for almost two years you never know what you will find when you come back home. The yard left to others does not get fed and cared for like the owners would do. The scrubs, trees and bushes grow up beyond desired heights. Weeds take over in the flower garden and bird feeders remain empty.
Before we left, the birds frequented my array of feeders. They had learned to scurry when Missy our dog was let out in the yard. We provided them front and back yard bird baths. They sang their tunes and provided me a source of entertainment. I bought books, identified and kept a list of those who visited our yard. I studied their habits and even tried to mock their calls and songs. I didn't fool many I might add. They just cocked their heads and peered at me as if to say, "Who does she think she is fooling."
While in Arizona I had bird feeders and bird baths as well, but not the array of colorful birds that visited my yard in Illinois. Yet, I continued to be entertained by them. The humming birds especially were exciting to watch as they loved to feed from our Pomegranate tree. But I still missed the Cardinals, Blue Jay, Black-Capped
Chickadees, Tufted Titmouse, Robin, Flickers, Mourning Doves and various finches and other species.
At our home in Illinois I had planned and planted trees and bushes and shrubberies to accommodate our feathered friends. I read about the flowers and seeds they preferred and bought accordingly. I purchased and my husband planted when it got to the point my MS prevented me from crawling around on my hands and knees. The feeders where constructed to discourage squirrels from joining at mealtime. I truly missed my back yard haven and bird sanctuary.
Illinois along with trees galore and birds in abundance called us to return. Would the birds have moved on to better feeding grounds? Would the generations of doves who had made their home with us have given up and found another local? I wondered if the flowers I had provided were still blooming or had weeds taken over. What would we find?
After almost two years we returned back to the home that had awaited us. The house and the yard showed signs of being unloved. The birdfeeders left behind were empty. Hanging from a trellis on the deck was a white plastic flower pot, its beautiful flowers long ago having died away. Instead of flowers to greet us a mother Mourning Dove and her two nearly grown babies welcomed us home. She kept her eyes open watching us; leaving only long enough to bring food back to the nest. Were we her old friends or new enemies you could almost hear her wonder? Was the dog a friend or foe?
Another discovery was made. There in the eaves of the Gazebo was a nest belonging to a mother Robin. She was a bit more leery of us. We dared not bother her or her nest. We wanted her to know she was safe to raise her young at our place.
Though we had been away it seems the birds had continued to prosper and play. Not only play but survive and multiply. Now that we're back, their songs greet me each morning and the Baby Doves have now flown the nest.
I live with MS on a daily basis and sometimes worry about what tomorrow may hold. When I think about the future I am reminded of that old Christian song that tells me, His eye is on the Sparrow and I know He watches me. I know that God doth provide whatever my needs. When I see a bird fly I know I am able to rise above my afflictions for God has me under His wings. I know whatever befalls me, God will
supply my needs. For unlike a house without owners to make it a home, my Father will never leave me or forsake me. I know God will be at my side. He is an Awesome God who too enjoys hearing us sing His praises.
Like us, the birds may be abandoned by humans but God will never abandon us. God like the birds will always be there. If we leave him behind He will always be waiting our return singing His Praises when we return.
Betty King © May 8, 2002
baking2@charter.net
Betty King has lived with MS for over 35 years. Her desire is to inspire others to live the best life they can in spite of hardships, road blocks and detours that come their way. She says God provides her the strength to rise above the disease that she lives with. She has God, How Can You Use Me, God's Glue, Life in Reverse, Angels in
Uniform, Blessings given in Disguise, God Helps Those Who Help themselves in the archives.
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Thanks to Rita Spillers for this!
If you care to get a free bumper sticker about ONE NATION UNDER GOD, click here:
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The Letter Box:
Dear Ellie,
Thank you so much for your story. I work in a Nursing Home, and I love the old people. Some are as gregarious and witty and as loud as the colors in your clown costume, but there are many like Tom, also. However, I have found that verbal words are really not necessary, to communicate with someone. It's just the icing on the cake. Spend a little time with a Tom, share a smile, a touch, a little love, and I
guarantee you, their personality will shine through the silence like a beacon.I am reminded of an old song by John Prine, one of my favorites, in fact. There is a verse in it that says...
Old trees just grow stronger, and old rivers grow wilder every day,
Old people just grow lonesome, waiting for someone to say...
Hello in there...Hello.... So, if you're walking down the street sometime,
spot some hollow ancient eyes, Please don't pass 'em by and stare,
as if you didn't care, say Hello in there...Hello....
Sandy Smith RN
Dear Ellie,
You touched Tom...... in a place that probably had not been touched in awhile. I used to work in a nursing home and witnessed first hand so many lost souls. It made my day to make someone smile. Inside every senior, whether they can talk or not, is a vibrant, youthful, human being. Thank you Ellie, for making Tom feel like he still had meaning in this world.
Sincerely,
Lou Ann Higgins
Swenhig@aol.com
2theheart,
You have a winner here with Ellie....I have just such a patient in Hospice now..this story defines exactly what I see in her eyes...the anger when I see the thought there but she can't articulate it...it brings her to tears....
Jsmotrees@aol.comSusan today's story was so heart touching!
Susan I would also like to say that I am delighted to see you have published two people I have sent your way...two really great email friends I have come to know quite well! They are both great people and good writers. One is today's Mary Baxter who wrote the mini story the other is Bob Shaw. Two nicer and deserving people could not be found. Thanks for making your site a spot for friends to gather!
Betty King
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www.2theheart.comMaking a difference, one story at a time!
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