TIMING IS EVERYTHING

Today, I had to perform a rather difficult task. 

It may not have been difficult for some, but it really was for me.

Background on me:

I am one of those people who will swerve to avoid hitting one of God's creatures in the road.  I will stop my car and help a turtle cross the road if it is clear that his life is in peril.  When I was just 16, a bird flew into the grill of my car and died, while I was driving; I had to pull over to the side of the road and compose myself, for quite a while, before I could continue to drive. 

It is really hard for me to see any type of suffering.

Background on situation:

For some strange and unknown reason, birds in our neighborhood, pigeons mostly, have been dying.  Our neighbors have been finding them in their yards for the past few months.  The city/county will do nothing, no testing, no clean-up, nada, until "record numbers" of dead birds are found at a time.  These neighbors have been finding what I would call record numbers, 7 at a time, and it is a continual problem.  I wondered if any spraying had gone on in the area to make the birds sick, or maybe they have contracted west nile virus.  Anyway, there has been no help from the officials.  (Wish one of them lived in our neighborhood).  However, I have felt very blessed and relieved that we have not had this problem. 

Until today.

As I burst happily, skipped, walked groggily out the door this morning, to bring in our mail, check on my flowers, etc., I found a dead bird in the front yard.  A dead pigeon.  And it was a rather large, dead bird.  I couldn't believe it.  I walked over to it, just to be sure.  I then walked around our entire yard, inspecting everywhere for more.  Thankfully there was only the one.  I had to clean it up.  I was not happy about this idea at all, but what else could I do?  So, I sent a text to Jonathan to let him know what was happening, he was in a meeting with associates in England (that's why I sent him a text).  I then tried to call my sis, for moral support.  Couldn't reach her (I have been on the other end of the phone for many of her less than pleasantries).  So I stood alone, with my shovel, gloves, bags and the lifeless bird.  I took care of it.  Put the tools away.  Came back into the house, washed my hands a gazillion times (only 4), yes, I wore gloves but still felt the need to wash my hands multiple times; then I thought of the many reasons why that was hard for me to do.  I also thought of all the reasons why (as much as I would love to believe differently), I would NOT have made a wonderful pioneer or frontier woman.

I was just putting the bird issue to rest, when I heard somone at the door.  I didn't even want to answer.  I heard a rather loud knock.  I thought someone must really need me; so I reluctantly went to answer the door. 

Standing before me was a beautiful bouquet of fresh, multi-colored, gerbera daisies (some of my fav's) with a delivery man from my favorite local floral place behind them.

I was stunned!

Why today?

What was the occasion?  (No one would have known that I needed a little boost just then).

My name was on the card, they were really for me!

I couldn't wait to get my flowers inside and open the card.

The note was from Jonathan, it read, "Mar, Thanks for all you do, day in and day out.  Love, Jonathan"

I burst into tears. 

The timing on this lovely delivery was impeccable.  There is no way he would have known when he placed the order, just how much I needed a thank you and some beauty sent my way.

Thanks a bunch!

**Later in the day, I found more deceased birds, all along our walk/bike path behind our home.  I spent much of the afternoon on the phone with the health dept. and animal control.

It appears to me that they are being poisoned.  (I even have a guess about the reason why, but I am not ready to verbalize it yet).

I was told that since they are pigeons, it is not against the law to poison them, they are considered a nuisance, like a rat.  I voiced my concern about the large number of these birds dying in a small area and how worried I was for other animals and children.  I was told that if I saw other wildlife, such as raccoons, etc., dropping like the birds, I should call back and let them know.  They will not test on a nuisance.  I managed to keep them on the phone enough today and become enough of a nuisance myself, that they came out this afternoon and cleaned up the remaining dead birds for me.

It is all in the timing.

Comments

[Jonathan]

Mar,

Sometimes we are blessed with small nudges that end up as large blessings.

Love you!

JD

[Stacy]

Well that situation is for the birds! I am glad Jonathan sent you your sunshine just at the right moment. Poor birds, does sound like a poisoning though, wonder why...

[Rachelle]

I am the same way about any living creature. Even prarie dogs in the road, I try and swerve so I don't hit them. You'll have to update us on the outcome. What a sweet husband you have, must've known you needed a thanks for all you do!

[Kim]

Thanks for sending sunshine Mar's way in her time of need!

Way to go Mar. You got the "excuse ridden" animal control to come and check this wierd phenomenom out!