Yesterday, I noticed one of the front windows of our condo was wide open, and cold air was blowing inside. (It may be April, but the morning’s early snow was a reminder that it’s not quite the season for open windows in Idaho.)
Before I could close it, my sweetie stopped me because there was a bee trapped between the screen and the window — and he wanted to give it an opportunity to fly away.
I looked closer, and the bee was quite still and appeared to be struggling. It remained perched on the inside edge of the window, likely avoiding the cold air outside.
Hoping to give the little thing a boost of energy, we made a solution of 1:1 water to sugar in a tiny lid of a water bottle and placed it near its tiny face. It was obviously in need of nutrients because it took a loooong drink.
Then, as if shaken from its stupor, the thing scurried up the window pane and at last flew outside.
(Good deed for the day — check.)
But also, because April is National Poetry Month, I’ve been a bit more reflective (dare I say, poetic) than usual.
And here’s what I realized, right at the moment we went back to our respective daily responsibilities:
I will never take for granted how wonderful it is to love (and be loved by) a human who treats all living things, no matter how small, with kindness.
This is not the first time a helpless creature has tugged on my heartstrings, nor will it be the last. So, to have someone stand beside me and try to save the life of a tiny flying insect rather than rolling their eyes, well. That’s the good stuff.
I realize no relationship is perfect (ours isn’t). But if someone is willing to cool the house to arctic temperatures and make time to hand-feed a bee with you, they’re probably going to be by your side when you, too, need a little tenderness.
Cue one of my favorites.
daley muse 