I work at an office complex that borders a man-made lake. Many geese and ducks inhabit the lake, and about 5 weeks ago, the ducks and geese began to build their nests. A mama goose and her mate (they mate for life, did you know?) decided the perfect place to build their happy home was right outside the door to my suite. I watched her as she built the nest in a planter, with her mate standing guard the whole process. Then she settled in and laid her eggs. Her mate was constantly hovering around, protecting her from anyone who dared ventured close to see how she was progressing. Then one day her mate was gone. He had been hit by a car in the parking lot, and now she was alone. On a nest of her babies. With no one to protect them. I watched her every day, stopping by to ask how she was doing, amazed at her fortitude. Could I be that kind of mom? Could I, with the absence of all support, give birth to and raise a gaggle of kids? To sit on that nest for a month without giving thought to myself, MY needs? The sad answer to that was no.
I don't know whether as a human I am naturally selfish, if Mother Nature has embedded animals with the need to procreate that rises above the narcissism I feel every day that it is all.about.me. But I can tell you that every day I saw that mama goose sitting on her nest without fail, I was saddened by my own weakness and strengthened by her resolve.
Her babies hatched last Friday. 5 cute and fuzzy little goslings. She let us get up close and take pictures, probably because she was used to us passing by every day. But she was clearly on guard.
Today I found them swimming happily just off shore of our little lake and I was so proud of her for being so strong.
I can only hope I too can be that strong.
