A NO SEEUM — This member of nature’s chorus remains nocturnal. Most rural folks consider the repetitious song of a whip-poor-will to be both mystical and therapeutic. An infrared camera was used to capture the presence of what human eyes couldn’t see. Photos by Joe Lively
Last week, I visited one of my long time friends. He was in declining health and showed early signs of dementia. So, he and his wife moved from their rural home into Henrico County to be closer to his medical providers. My initial understanding was that he would be cared for in an assisted living facility. Then his condition deteriorated. What I wasn’t prepared for was the level of security. Incoming visitors were required to pass through two sets of locked doors and a scanning device to search for weapons. It is obvious to first visitors that these “Patients” are held under conditions that are shockingly similar to that for the most hardened criminals.
Once inside, each patient was assigned a private room, door kept locked. They had to call a nurse and get permission to go to the common area or dining area. Each room had only one window, tightly sealed. The few patients seen had blank expressions on their face, moved slowly and shuffled, as though they had been heavily sedated. Another obvious reality was that all patients, regardless of their backgrounds, would be held under these hardened conditions until they mercifully passed away. Families and society were incapable or unwilling to continue providing care. And this was the only answer – a one way path that was hopeless, depressing and terminal. Ironic for a species that manipulates atoms and is beginning to explore space.
MIRACLE FOOD — This honeybee is head over heals into harvesting pollen and nectar from freshly bloomed Japonica flowers. His tireless work insures food for the hive and honey for my pancakes. Yummmmy !!!
My friend immediately recognized me. As youngsters, we had waded creeks, fished in rivers and local ponds and we knew where to find frogs to supply frog legs for our frying pans. We hunted small game and deer together. We each developed a deep reverence for the beauty of God’s natural world and were fascinated by biological diversity. He launched a series of questions: “Had I observed the bluebirds pairing off, yet? He had lost track of time and asked, what was the date?
Next, he wanted to know if anyone had heard a whipporwill calling? Have you cleaned out your hummingbird feeders and hung ‘em up for those first arriving hummers? Then, his questions abruptly stopped. My friend looked me in the eye and said softly – “I’ve got to get out of this place..” I deeply felt his agony, knowing that he would never again see bluebirds or hummers or hear whippoorwills.
A NATURAL TREASURE — When we immerse ourselves in nature’s free therapy programs, we are usually rewarded with an amazing variety of biological diversity. This curious, little Downey woodpecker had to investigate the treats I put into a nearby bird feeder. He got his treat and so did I.
I was so anxious to leave that horrible facility and return to my rural home in Amelia. My friend’s comments haunted me and I hoped that my defensive driving skills were adequate to allow me fast navigation through that horrible, urban, traffic congestion, back into a more positive environment. I prayed for my friend and hoped that If I ever developed a debilitating disease or dementia, it would be a blessing to have a terminal accident, before I was forced to suffer such a dehumanizing fate.
Entering my driveway, the nightmarish veil lifted and positive thoughts returned. Oh, the whippoorwills?
Their soothing calls are usually heard by the first week of April. But, my hummingbird feeders definitely needed cleaning and refilling. Historically, the first hummers arrive in Virginia during the last week in March. Reports are coming in of hummers being sighted, well up into North Carolina, near Raleigh. Another unconfirmed report is of a Ruby-throat being sighted – in the second week of March – way up in Maryland. I am so ready for their arrival.
All of us must face our greatest fears and disturbing realities of life. Human turmoil, exacerbated by the media, constantly drags us through uncomfortable situations. But, by immersing ourselves in our natural sanctuary, we are offered free, proven therapy to help us cope with and survive whatever negatives we encounter. Thank you Lord for the timely magic of hummingbirds and the soothing song of whippoorwills. Fresh new foliage adorns bare branches, colorful flowers burst open and their wonderful fragrance awakens us from the barren winter. With warm breezes, we hear the chorus of peepers joining the symphony of courting birds. Spring has finally arrived. We need to get outside and look up into the light. Outdoor notes:
Crappie are being caught at area lakes and ponds. Fishermen report that they are “busting open” with roe. Early arriving warblers have been sighted in Southside Virginia and it’s a great time for an adventure hike.
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