Introducing Humperdink

Our front bedroom windows overlook the neighbor's house giving us a great view of their roof. One day last summer we spied a nest with dutiful seagull parents perched on top. Of course we watched for the new born seagulls with interest and watched them grow while safely nestled on the rooftop chimney. The fateful day came when the fledglings tried their wings and we noticed them grounded in our backyard. There were two - quite grey and rather large for babies. They seemed to hop around a lot and remained content to stay in the grass.

We came outside to view the action only to be dive bombed by the parent seagulls. While the babies were on the lawn, the parents were actively protecting them from the air. One even dropped a load (either by accident or on

purpose which made us run for cover) Somehow word was quickly spread by seagull transmit and aunts and uncles appeared to assist with operation dive bomb/scare the humans away. We took cover inside and watched the parents try to demonstrate how to fly. They brought food from time to time and kept circling overhead for protection.

It was sort of like watching a movie with a parallel meaning. We as parents meet our children's physical needs as best we can, we demonstrate how to live well, how to love and step out there but in the end you can't do it for them; they have to fly on their own. It's quite painful sometimes as a parent to just instruct, watch and cheer. Humperdink's brother flew back to the roof but didn't get enough height so he slid down the steep roof. It's all part of the learning; sliding, falling, being grounded and then hopefully soaring at some point. We've been in the process of giving our kids wings for a few years now and they are trying them out - there's some grounding, sliding and hopping with a little air from time to time; they are growing up.