I once watched a momma bird feed her babies. She returned again and again with a worm for their waiting beaks.
As the babies got bigger, their number decreased: four, three, two, one.
And when the nest was empty, the robin sat holding the worm, no longer valuable or necessary.
Sue Silva is a freelance writer who lives in Ontario, Canada.
Hi Ms Silva,
Nice story, is that you?
Disagree with “…..no longer valuable or necessary…..”
JT
Thanks JT!
Beautiful. Brought a tear to my eye.
I think the ‘no longer valuable or necessary’ sums up the empty nest syndrome feelings that one can have occasionally when having a down moment. So I agree with them! Sorry JT, but for me, without these words being there this piece wouldn’t be as poignant.
Julia
You got, Julia!
This is just right! And oh so true at least for me at times. So very happy for your achievement.
Wonderful piece Sue. The Empty Nest Syndrome is very real and hard on the Momma. I remember going through it and I was miserable. I can’t remember how or when I got over it, or used to it, or how exactly the world finally turned the right way. It did… finally.
Bye Bye Little Birdies!!! It,s papa,s time to party. they will be back when its nursing home time and your nest is worth a million. LOL.
You’ve captured very well the sentiment of many a mother whose nest is empty, Sue. It’s easy to feel no longer needed or valued when babies mature and leave. Maybe it’s the worm that’s no longer needed or valued, but the momma? I think she will find a new way to contribute to her world. You’ve sparked many thoughts on this topic. Which is what an excellent writer like you should do. Well done.