His eye is on the sparrow...

On the homestretch for getting packed and moved. There are still tons of things to be packed (no where to put them) and then loading and leaving.

But I got up earlier today so that I could take a farewell walk in the 'hood and catch Dan to say goodbye. His sprinkler was on but he was nowhere in sight, so I headed up to the mountaintop to do my prayer work. The parcel of land that has been vacant (for me to use as my sacred prayer space) has now completed construction on one house and is excavating in preparation for another. Guess it's a perfect time to move because my view of the valley below is becoming obstructed.

Heading back towards Dan's, I happened to look down as I was walking.
I thought I noticed something unusual on the ground and almost in mid-step,
I stopped and turned around.
I looked down and there was a little bird splayed on the sidewalk.
I felt a wave of sadness but then stopped again to peer down. There was no sign of violence other than the impact to the ground. His/her eyes were closed but the chest was moving up and down in rapid little breaths.

As I knelt down to do a prayer, I began to chant "Hu" which animals find so comforting. I knew that the little bird was not going to revive but I did not want to leave it on the sidewalk vulnerable to further harm or indignity. Being unsure as to the course of action, not wanting to cause further stress, I gently lifted the little creature onto the top of the brick siding and sat beside him/her. The little wings closed in and the bird moved into an almost fetal position, eyes still closed and breaths still labored. I sat for awhile longer alternately chanting and talking with this sweet little bird. My first guess is that it fell from the nest but the little black and white wings were full and beautiful, so I think it must have been older.

Having worked with animals for so many years, I know what a privilege it is to be with one when it is time for their leaving this end of the circle of life. I will let you, as my reader make your own poetic or metaphoric inferences as to the symbology of this creature leaving life as I leave San Diego. I just know that I was so clear as to why I was taking my walk this morning at this particular time. If I had actually met up Dan as I had planned, I might not have headed up to the top of the canyon and would not have been there to send off this little creature. I was peaceful and grateful and no longer sad.

"His Eye Is On The Sparrow" is a classic Christian hymn that usually refers to Jesus watching over us. Today, that eye was my I -- and I was blessed.

Happy trails.