During some of my darkest days, I learned that help comes in different forms. Sometimes it was through the warm smile of a stranger, and other days it was through a check-in from a good friend.
While working as a seasonal laborer with the City of Saskatoon, I was struggling to stay alive when help came in the form of a sparrow.
One of my responsibilities was to maintain a large triangular flower bed that had thick green spruce trees scattered around the perimeter. The only way to access the bright yellow flowers inside was through a small opening. From my knees, I pushed back a few branches and entered into this tight space. My co-worker, Donaldo, followed closely behind me.
The moment I made it into the clearing; a tiny brown sparrow flew directly towards me. To my surprise, it landed on a branch that was no more than six inches away from my face. Its dark black eyes locked with mine, and ever so carefully, I turned around to see if Donaldo was witnessing what was taking place. Sure enough, he was crouched directly behind me watching in disbelief.
“Touch it.” He whispered.
Slowly raising my dirt covered glove, I ran my fingers across the top of its head and down towards its tail. To my amazement, the sparrow remained completely motionless. I repeated this action a few times without neither Donaldo or myself saying a word.
I am not sure how much time passed, but eventually this beautiful bird flew from its perch and disappeared through a tiny opening. I was left with a feeling of peace that had been absent for so long, and it was impossible for me to deny that this sparrow was sent to remind me that somehow, someway, everything was indeed going to be okay.
Recently, I returned to that flower bed with my wife, Tanya, by my side. I crouched down in the exact same spot and gave gratitude for that sparrow.
Who knew that my greatest pain would one day evolve into my greatest purpose.
Keep talking my friends.
NOTE: This story is featured in my memoir Transforming Pain Into Purpose.
