Life Lesson from a Duck

Struggling to step forward one leg at a time the hen seemed patient as she extended her beak to reach for her nourishment. Her broken foot caused her body weight to be held up and maneuvered by the fragile bony area of the leg. I felt broken-hearted for her as she determinedly inched ahead to complete her mission. I couldn’t tear myself away from the family in action before me.


The hen’s mate, so beautifully colored, never strayed too far away from his injured family member. The Mallard drake also scrounged for his meal, but always mindful of her needs. At one point an Ibis approached and headed straight to the handicapped duck. The drake would have no part of this advance toward his mate. He sounded a noise that could only be understood by the Ibis, as the Mallard lurched quickly to protect the hen. The loyalty between the couple was such a vivid reminder to me of the importance and value of the loyalty we should exhibit in our own families. Whatever the composition of that family unit is - a couple, widowed, young or adult children, single parent or blended family – if loyalty is offered to our parents, siblings, off-spring and spouses our homes will be havens of protection and safety. Undoubtedly we will endure uncomfortable, painful or handicapping days but the acceptance, love and grace extended by our family makes all the difference.