Bird-Watching

My grandpa picked up the container of uncooked rice that always sat on the windowsill. He slid his feet into overworn slippers, and swung open the creaky front door of the house. My brother and I scurried to the window as soon as we heard the click of the front door closing. We watched intently as my grandpa reached into the pile of rice and scattered it onto the pathway. As the grains bounced haphazardly on the concrete, my eyes automatically moved to the large bush rustling next to the gate entrance. Suddenly, one bold sparrow popped out of the bush and started snatching grains of rice off the ground. My grandpa stood perfectly still. Prompted by the first bird, tiny beaks began poking out of the leaves and tiny feet hopped to feast on their daily snack. My grandpa kept sprinkling rice until there was none left in the container and the birds were sitting contently on the fence. 

The next day I visited my grandparents, I asked my grandpa to feed the birds with him. He agreed wholeheartedly, and gave me a handful of rice. It was a bit chilly outside, and I thought the birds would neglect their little snack in favor of warmth. I was surprised to see that not only were the birds there, they were not hiding in the bush anymore. They stood patiently on each ridge on the fence, as if guarding the house. My grandpa and I sprinkled rice on the ground, and I felt a bit like a Disney princess surrounded by birds peacefully eating. 

This was something of a daily ritual for my grandpa, and for the birds too. I realize now that these quiet, warm moments were a display of kindness in its purest form. Giving without being prompted. This was my grandpa’s strong suit. He genuinely cares about every accomplishment anyone in my family makes, and doesn't shy away from being openly complimentary about it. He finds great satisfaction in the happiness of others, from immediate family to the smallest of sparrows. I especially was a child that absorbed everything, and one of those things was my grandpa’s generosity and consideration for others. His actions were what taught me at a young age to understand kindness.

Kate Minn

is Love For Our Elders’ virtual Letters of Love Coordinator.