May Day, throughout the years, has meant different things to different people.  It originated in Europe as a celebration of the coming of Spring and the appearance of "new life."  Celebrations featuring dances "around the May pole" were common.  In this country May 1 soon became associated with the American Labor movement with appeals for fair policies for workers (like an 8 hour work day).  Today, for some, it has become a day for rallies and protests against various national policies - unfortunately at some of these, unkind (even hateful and violent) language is used thus heightening the political tension we now see in our country.  But for at least two people I know (my wife and her sister Katie), May Day presents a much different type of opportunity:  It has become, for them, a day to share love.

Last week our neighbor was frantic - a little bird had gotten itself caught in one of her outdoor "insect glue traps."  In an effort to free itself the little bird became more "trapped" and had glue all over his feathers and feet.  Very carefully, Kristi and Phylis (our neighbor) pulled the bird loose from the trap.  Still, the bird could not fly; his feathers were too "gummed up" from the glue.  The question now became, "How do you safely remove glue from feathers?"  Kristi took the bird to two local Vets who told her to first wash the bird in Canola oil and then with Dawn dish soap and water.  With a little tinder love and care, Kristi soon had the bird "cleaned up" - but, he still didn't seem able to fly.  We decided his feathers were still too heavy and wet.  So Kristi placed him in a shady place in the back yard (with our cat locked in the bed room) and allowed him to "air dry."  Before long he "took to the air" and rejoined his friends.  Now this may not sound like a lengthy process, but in fact, Kristi spent almost 1/2 of a day "lending a hand" to this little bird.  I think there are several lessons for us all...