Page 2 - MidWeek - Dec 7, 2022

2 MIDWEEK DECEMBER 7, 2022
The Rescue
“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains Wunawakened.” — Anatole France
BChristmas Cheer
ack by popular demand (all right, one guy asked me for
ling fallen from a high tree, I jumped into action to save it. The famished baby cried des- perately for its mother.
it), here is an all-new version of vaunted Christmas song
With its eyes still closed and beak clamped shut, I clumsily pried the little mouth open for feedings while apologizing profusely.
My eyes filled with tears at the thought of this sepa- ration, but the words flew straight out of my heart. “Yes, JJ needs to be with his own kind.”
titles deftly (or tone-deafly) applied to the surreal reality we call our everyday existence in December 2022:
A baby bird named JJ taught the author that while she rescued it, it did a lot to rescue her, as well.
• I’ll Be Home For Christmas— Yes, but this year, it’s my choice, not COVID-related.
It was fascinating to wit- ness the fierce survival in- stinct of this fragile creature as its chest rose and fell with each determined breath.
hen a friend brought me a tiny, featherless hatch-
• Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town — He sure is, along with millions of visitors.
Cheery chirping woke me daily at dawn. The bare patches of skin filled in with downy fluff and JJ developed a perky personality. As the days passed, this determined little creature gained the strength to stand on one foot and use the other for balance.
online search brought up a valuable resource: Wild Bird Rehab Haven, a compassion- ate local nonprofit staffed by knowledgeable volunteers.
In that moment our journey as rescuer and rescued ended, but who was rescued became unclear.
• Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy — Hey, if Bing Crosby and David Bowie could get together for this gem (1977), can we please find a little empathy to help resolve rifts?
Force-feedings continued, and now assured it would sur- vive, I pondered a name.
In a rush of emotion, I realized that over the past few months how this little creature had been a gift that opened my heart in a com- pletely new way.
• You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch — To all those Grinch-like among us who apparently can’t/won’t find their inner souls the other 364 days a year.
“Maybe it’s a sparrow,” I thought, “but I don’t know if it’s a Jack Sparrow or a Jill. So, you’re JJ!”
After emailing a photo, a reply shot back, “That’s a pa- paya finch.”
• It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas — Usually that starts around Oct. 20 in the retail world.
To end each day, JJ perched facing west, transfixed as the sun sank into the horizon. At first this behavior was a curi- osity, but then I followed JJ’s example and discovered an evening ritual that brought me a surprising sense of peace.
They suggested meeting with a birder who provides sanctuary for orphaned finch- es.
• Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas — “Little” is just fine, because it’s really OK to celebrate Christmas small, sans fanfare, but sincerely on this special day of days.
It appeared that JJ’s injury from the fall was a broken ankle and paralyzed foot. Efforts to stand or perch us-
Upon arrival, the bird rehabber gently held JJ to examine the damaged foot, concluding that JJ wouldn’t survive in the wild.
Thalya DeMott is a long- time Honolulu resident and community activist. She has a great love for the outdoors and natural environment.
Chasing The Light is pro- duced by Robin Stephens Rohr and Lynne Johnson.
• It Came Upon A Midnight Clear — That would be some direc- tion from officialdom on the future of Red Hill, which would be a miracle indeed.
ing both feet were a relent- less and admirable struggle. Without ever setting eyes on another bird, JJ instinctively practiced flying.
• We Wish You A Merry Christmas — Great concept, but do we really need that figgy pudding?
New Century Schoolbook bold (scaled H 73.6)
• Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer — Thankfully, thoughtfully placed speed bumps are popping up around O‘ahu to preclude this possibility.
Seeking a way for JJ to interact with other birds, an
The woman asked softly, “Do you want him to live in my aviary?”
• Do They Know It’s Christmas? — A pop hit “end famine” classic from 1984, its pleas still resonate today as over 820 million people worldwide go to bed hungry every night.
KELLEY
• O Holy Night — Gone, but surely not forgotten, Willie K provided us with this chicken-skin classic rendition to behold forever more. Thanks, Uncle Willie.
• Little Saint Nick — He used to be Big Saint Nick, but in this digital/computer chip/AI world we now wholeheartedly em- brace, anything can be shrunk.
• God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen — And those frontline gentle ladies, too, for the incredible work done over the past 1,000 days, providing constant aid and comfort during the pandemic.
• Baby, It’s Cold Outside — Yes, you can hear that said among people here when it hits (heaven forbid!) 67 degrees.
• The Mongoose Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late) — Well, The Chipmunk Song local style.
Good tidings to you and yours, and let’s stretch this season of joy into an annual sentiment.
Think about it.
john@thinkaboutithawaii.com
with Thalya DeMott