The Family

by Eleanor Rodgerson, M.D.

This arrangement the world has for propagating the species is quite remarkable, now I think about it. Take the little finches who are nesting nearby, the gray and black female and the red-headed, red-chested male. I first noticed them fluttering around the backdoor. The female was
enchanted with the electric light fixture and she examined it thoroughly. The male was not impressed. He would have none of it. He flew for the eaves and, in the end, they both left the area. Our house did not meet their standards.

But they remain close. I see them often. Early on, they came to the bird feeder together; later, separately. One remained at the nest, I suppose. Now and then the female pauses on the head of the Quan Yin statue -- absorbing tranquility? -- before she goes for the seeds. These finches and their family setup brought bigger issues to my mind.

Here are two small birds fulfilling what nature prescribed. And it probably took centuries to learn how to do it. As brain power increased, responsibilities developed and results improved. There was survival.

The human animal also benefited. Is it now in danger of sliding back down the scale of growth and development? I note publicity about the joys of single-parent families.

Single family situations are sometimes mistakes and to be made the best of, but planning for a single family home is flying in the face of what history shows us. In the highest order of living things, isn't the male needed for more than fertilization? The little finches seem to prove it.

I follow these nesting birds and question why they behave the way they do.

Life is miraculous and complicated. How many generations did it take to learn?

Our human civilization has also thrived on the family concept, building the attributes of character where there are rules and safety, appreciation and reward.

Watching the finch couples' coming and going is stimulating, and I admire them, so dedicated. They do not have the will to start and stop what they are doing and are programmed. But, human beings do have the will.

The finches present a small model for simple family life and make me wonder why we ignore nature's lessons and the pattern that works so well.

And just this morning, on my walk with Michael, the dog, we came to a stretch of sidewalk covered with printing in pink crayon. "Hello, hope you enjoy this neighborhood." "We love you." "We pray together." "Have a nice day."