I saw a crow fall out of a tree this morning. I was not so startled, but momentarily worried, the young bird might need help. But it's mother soon appeared at its side to show it the way back to the nest.
Perhaps, it hadn't fallen, but flown in a plummeting sort of way. But, I was struck by a thought watching the mother, or well I assumed it was the mother not the father, I don't know if crows do the gender equity thing when it comes to rearing children. (Let's assume it was the mother).
She has no arms to pick up her child. She has not the strength to carry it back to their home. She can only suggest the path and hope her child follows. It was lovely to watch, as the mother showed remarkable patience and prudence jumping from branch to branch, never going further than 2 or 3m leading the young crow higher and higher until they could reach their home in one of the parks evergreen trees.
It made me reflect on my own teaching experiences, and on the need to lead and guide, to suggest and show, but not to do for my students what they must learn for themselves. It was a beautiful moment.
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