After a time, the bird took solid food, bread, and finally small bits of hamburger. It grew larger and larger, and we finally took it outside to release it. It was a bright spring day, and I can still remember how green everything looked. I cradled the bird in my cupped hand, lifted it into the air, then opened my hand and let it go. As it spread its wings and rose into the air, we, all of us— Joyce, Jeff, and myself—felt a wonderful delight. Jeff's eyes were wide and gleaming. It may have been the single, happiest moment of his life.
