Our "Hummingbird" Mothers

I watched the hummingbirds flurry around at my East Texas children’s home last spring and summer. The remembrance caused me to find out about those hummingbird moms.

Before Mother's Day, I found myself reflecting on the remarkable qualities of motherhood observed in nature—specifically, in the hummingbird. Thsoe tiny birds, known for their incredible energy and resilience, are symbols of tireless devotion and care.

Just as a hummingbird mother single-handedly raises her young with unwavering dedication, I see the same extraordinary qualities in our three daughters, my two, Staci and Shawntel, and Carl's daughter, Amelia, who are all exceptional mothers in their own rights. I posted our three daughters and their families here.

The female hummingbird, often overshadowed by the male's vibrant colors, undertakes a journey of motherhood that is nothing short of heroic. She meticulously builds a nest, crafting a safe haven for her future offspring.

This act of building from the ground up, ensuring every detail is perfect, mirrors the way our daughters have created nurturing homes for their children – places of warmth, encouragement, love and safety.

Once her eggs are laid, the hummingbird mother strikes a delicate balance, keeping her eggs warm while also nourishing herself to maintain her strength. She dashes out of the nest multiple times an hour, always returning to her crucial role as protector and provider.

In this relentless pursuit, she embodies the essence of motherhood -- constant self-sacrifice for the well-being of her young. This reflection of dedication is vivid in our daughters as they juggle the demands of motherhood with personal and professional responsibilities, always returning to the warm embrace of their children.

As the eggs hatch, the demands grow, yet the hummingbird mother never falters. She feeds her young a nutritious meal, ensuring they receive all they need to thrive. This nurturing is akin to how our daughters educate, nurture, and feed their children -- not just with food, but with knowledge, love, and compassion. They prepare their children for the world, much like the hummingbird prepares her young for their first flight.

The journey of the hummingbird mother doesn't end with the first flight; she continues to watch over her fledglings, guiding and feeding them until they can truly be independent. Similarly, our daughters remain a guiding light in their children's lives, supporting and loving them through every challenge and success.

Though Mother's Day has passed, our daughters, like the hummingbird mothers, perform countless unseen acts of love every day. Their devotion knows no bounds, and their children, much like the young hummingbirds, will soar into the future, strengthened by the love and dedication of their mothers.

May we always remember the power and beauty of a mother's love that is always propelling us forward and and always believing in our potential to fly and soar!