I had not put out any hummingbird feeders this year. I didn't want to put one out in Oolitic because it was right outside the kitchen window and everytime I saw a hummer on it, I would call Mom. I'd come home for lunch and call her just to tell her I had hummers. I always had more than she did. I couldn't bear to see one out there this year and not be able to call her. It has been so hot, too, I didn't put one out at I St. yet, either. But I told Mom I would take care of her birds, so today I took my feeder over there and filled it up. I seriously didn't think I would get any since I was putting it up so late, but Mom didn't get them until August usually, so I thought, why not.

Tonight after church Susan and I were sitting on the patio enjoying the dogs and the nice breeze. I happened to look over to the feeder--and sure enough, there was a little female hummer! The feeder had only been out a few hours and she had found it already. It made me happy...and then, sad. Susan and I both started crying. And Susan said, "It's your mom". I know that sounds corny, but I'd like to think it WAS Mom and she was saying, "Thank you, Susie, for taking care of my birds." Mom would've been so happy to have a hummer. And this one stayed quite a while.

Love,

Susie