The day started like any other, up at 6am and straight to the computer and work. 7am arrives finally, the caf is open. I dress my daughter quickly and head off for my coffee. Today was a bit different to most though, as I pulled up sharply once I got to the front gate. There, a mere two feet from us was a magnificent Australian kookaburra.
My immediate thought was wonder that we got so close without startling it to flight. These majestic birds are not budgerigars, they tend to avoid humans. Seeing one so close is a treat so special it is to be remembered and treasured. So I backtracked and roused my wife so she could come and enjoy this beautiful bird while it rested on our front fence. There we stood, the four of us, enjoying each other’s company a mere two feet from each other for nigh on five minutes. What a spectacular start to the day.
When I finished my coffee, I reflected on the experience. I wondered at my own actions, blundering my way to the gate without even realizing the king of the kingfishers was sitting there watching me. Was I really so busy that morning that I could not see what was right in front of me? Did I really need to get so close that I almost tripped up on the bird before I knew he was there?
One more step and surely I would have sent the kookaburra to flight. I would have missed this wonderful start to the day; it would simply have been sacrificed to inattention. What a terrible loss as these magical moments with nature are so rare. It was really a little bit of a wakeup call. Slow down and smell the roses. There is so much happening right now, yet we are all rushing to tomorrow, eyes so focused on the future we forget to enjoy the present.
From my home on Australia’s Gold Coast, my young family of three are blessed with the song (or laughter) of kookaburras quite regularly. Never have I experienced one in such a personal way as I did today. I know from today too that the kookaburra’s song will have a special meaning for me; there will be a message in every verse. “Slow down Damian” it will sing. “Enjoy what is in front of you right now”. A message perhaps we all can benefit from.
Damian Papworth is a committed father. He recently went shopping for baby high chairs. He realized the Fisher Price high chair range was very impressive.
