I patted his head and shoulder trying to reassure him since he was overwhelmed and shocked by what had happened and was trying so hard to make it right again. Casey held the string and tacks, as I gently started to lift the nest off the ground, hoping it was still intact and able to be put back up. Quickly I placed them into the nest, turning them on their bellies, just as they were positioned before the fall. I held the nest with one hand while tying the nest into its place with the string and tacks in the other. Ok, it s all up and safe now.
Lets get out of here quickly, so that the mommy bird can come back.
We sat down in the living room on the couch and began to talk about the whole ordeal that day. I leaned over and gave him a long gentle hug and kiss. He had displayed a true courage that isn t seen often enough by our own young when they have done something wrong, by mistake or not. You could have run away from the whole thing and not told anyone what had happened, but you didn t, and therefore you are our true hero. Just then I could see a small and gently emerging smile, for the first time that day.