"Fragile Wings"

"Fragile Wings"

By, Cheryl Harwell Bailey

Yesterday, not the first time I was called "Ellie Mae,"
 one of my nicknames as a child, from the "Beverly Hillbillies" sitcom.

 At age 7, I had a white downy baby owl, saved just in time. I named her Uhootie.
 I felt a responsibility even a child, to rescue injured "critters." 

As I was visiting with my Mom at the nursing home, in the sitting area,
 a nurse casually pointed to a bird who couldn't fly. 
"Don't tell her" said Randall. "You've done it now" warned Dad, as I went outside.

 I felt the 93-degree heat, as I gently picked up the exquisite little creature.
 She seemed to say, "oh bless you giant sister, you saved my life."

Holding her gently, I went inside to the nurse’s station to call the bird doctor,
 ignoring all the commands to put her back on the ground outside. 
The crowded rest home came to a stop. They all wanted to see her.

 Suddenly she was a celebrity.
 All of sudden she started to fly a little, showing off. 
Her wings seemed fine, but she was unable to stay in flight.
 Examining her closer, I saw her left eye was closed.
 I thought about bringing her home with me. 
I have birdseed, but I cannot fix her eye.

 So off we went to the bird saving place.
 I am happy to report, all is well with God's little creature.
 She is fully recovered.