What a Wing Is For

Sometimes, life has the loveliest way of answering the questions we ask of it.

Take little Chirpa.

Found wandering the streets of suburbia, this tiny chick had somehow arrived in a world far too big for someone so small. How he came to be there remains a mystery, but one thing was certain: he needed somewhere safe to belong.

And while we could offer warmth, nourishment, tender care and even a teddy bear, there was something, or rather someone, we could not give him.

A mumma.

Meanwhile, at our good friends’ sanctuary, Lefty’s Place, another little heart was longing for someone.

A beautiful broody hen was determined to become a mumma. Yet, like Edgar’s Mission, Lefty’s Place rightly observes a strict no-breeding policy.

And so two lives, each missing something the other could give, were about to find one another. When our friends learned of Chirpa, a rather wonderful thought took flight.

What if?

And so our little feathered wanderer embarked upon the most important journey of his young life, not simply to another sanctuary, but towards a love that had been waiting for him.

And as the photograph so beautifully shows, Chirpa has discovered what a chicken’s wing is truly for. Not merely for flight, but for shelter, warmth, comfort and belonging.

And his new mumma?

Well, she has finally found someone to tuck beneath hers.

Two hearts, two needs, one beautiful answer.

For sometimes the greatest gift we can give another is not simply a safe place in this world, but someone to share it with.

Welcome home, little Chirpa. We’ll miss you. ❤️🐥