Goodbye Button!

Well, the little bird Joshua rescued has a new home.
I talked to the folks at the wildlife rehabilitation and educational center to ask them what we needed to do to prepare Button for release. They told me to bring her in so they could teach her how to be a bird. She needs to know how to get her own food so she isn't dependent upon humans, and doesn't end up as someone else's dinner.
So this evening the whole family got into the van as we drove our little Button to the rehabilitation center. We decided since her care here has been a family affair, it would be nice for all of us to take her away and say goodbye.
The lady at the rehabilitation center was very nice and promised to take good care of Button in preparation for releasing her when she's ready. We're confident Button is in good hands. On the way home we stopped and got ice cream sundaes to celebrate one more step in Button's return home.
In talking with the lady at the rehab center, I learned we should have taken Button to them right when we found her. She gave us the reasons why, and we understand them. If we ever find another orphaned baby bird, we know now what to do. But I am thankful for the opportunity we had to care for this little sparrow we came to know and love. I am thankful for the ways my kids demonstrated compassion, for all the lessons they learned, and for the confidence I'm sure they gained in successfully caring for our Button.
We'll miss her!