It was a warm summer day in April 2023 when I woke up. I quickly rose and walked to the front balcony. A strong gust of wind and the usual noises one would expect in a large, high-rise apartment complex in India greeted me—the muted sounds of traffic on SCB Main Road, crickets hidden in the greenery chirping, and occasional bursts of laughter from families and groups strolling on the inner roads of Chimes & Dimes, my apartment complex.
I looked up at the sky and found nothing remarkable except, perhaps, an eagle in the far distance. Then I glanced down and saw a lovely scene below: several pet dogs lounging casually on the roads and lawns, interspersed with kittens (why not cats? Cats don’t like to socialize; they run away from gatherings, but kittens don’t mind if there are friendly dogs around to protect them), four baby monkeys, seven rabbits, an assortment of birds—sparrows and pigeons being the most numerous—and a pony.
A kitten sat on the golden retriever’s back while a sparrow rested on its head. The three portrayed a picture of perfect harmony and peace!
Among the sparrows, Clifton was present, seated on the pony’s back, probably appearing as my pet.
Children and a few parents had formed a ring around their pets, doting on them lovingly. The scene portraying harmony, goodwill, and peace among different animals was heavenly!
I glanced at my watch, and suddenly, it dawned on me—it was Pet’s Day, the 11th! The apartment association had permitted a Pet’s Day celebration, and it was in full swing below.
If you were a pet, I’m sure it would break your heart to miss a Pet’s Day party for several reasons. First, your owner would shower extra attention and love on you that day. If you were a four-legged animal, they would give you a shampoo bath, towel you off, brush and powder you (except ponies). They would decorate female dogs and pups with colored ribbons. Second, they would give you a hearty breakfast, with extra helpings until you were satisfied. Third, it was a once-in-a-year opportunity to socialize with other pets in the complex, and you were treated as special guests for the day.
Fourth, there were sports events where you could showcase your talents: a 100-meter dash (ponies allowed), an obstacle race, hoop-jumping for dogs, sniffing out hidden gift boxes containing bones and crunchies (for cats and dogs), a fastest grain-eater competition for birds, and more. Prize winners would receive wearable medals, trophies, special gifts, and/or offers like exotic food, discounts at veterinary clinics and pet stores, and even a chance to enter the Bhagini inter-apartment annual pet festival.
Fifth, a festive brunch would be served, and finally, the owners would sing the national anthem before everyone dispersed.
The festivities were in progress below when an incoherent, impatient cry from Clifton’s mango tree in front reached my ears. It was Gin-tin, a handicapped she-sparrow.
Gin-tin’s left leg hadn’t fully developed because of paralysis. It hadn’t even grown to half its usual length. Moreover, the paralysis left her claws tightly clenched, so she was effectively one-legged. She couldn’t fly like the other sparrows and, as a result, couldn’t enjoy a normal life. She had been confined to a lonely life inside a specially made hole in the tree’s trunk for nearly two years now.
Day after day, she would watch other sparrows flying freely—playing, laughing, and fighting. She envied them because they were so happy, while she missed out on everything. Every day, all she could do was watch and weep. When frustration crossed a limit, she would get angry in addition. She would cry out to her fellow sparrows, but they all ignored her. The situation was hopeless, and it was driving her mad.
Today, seeing the Chimes & Dimes pets enjoying themselves, she couldn’t control her emotions any longer. So, when Clifton looked up at me, I motioned for him to fly up and meet me. He complied and soon perched on the balcony wall facing me.
“Clifton, take one of your friends,” I told him, “and assist Gin-tin—one supporting her on each side. Fly her down safely to the party so she can enjoy, for once, the heavenly atmosphere, love, food, and festivities of the Pet’s Day party along with the rest of us! Feeling accepted and loved will surely make her overjoyed.”
Clifton did my bidding, and soon, Gin-tin was among the partying pets, who welcomed her warmly. The long-awaited, once-in-a-lifetime event materialized so suddenly that it dazzled and overwhelmed her with joy!
She screeched a “Thank you” to Clifton and the other sparrow who had brought her down. Inside, she was likely wrestling with powerful emotions—joy, sorrow, and utter disbelief. After a while, she gasped, turned groggy, then careened and hobbled in small circles rapidly. Soon, she lost her balance, toppled over, and started kicking wildly in the air with both legs, her body and tail shaking violently as if she were having fits.
All eyes were on her. The air was tense.
I was scared too, wondering if I had made a wise decision by asking Clifton to bring her down.
But lo-and-behold!
After a minute of struggling, she jumped to her feet like a normal bird and screeched, “Whoa! A miracle. My left leg has healed, and I am a normal bird now, able to use both my legs. See!!”
There was a moment of stunned silence. Everyone was in disbelief, wondering whether what they had just witnessed was real.
But it was!
The sheer joy she experienced at being accepted so lovingly by the gathering, after months and months of bitter isolation, had caused a surge of powerful, positive energy to flow through her paralyzed body—resulting in her leg being instantly healed!
Realizing this, everyone erupted into wild applause.
Gin-tin soared into the air, threw me a flying kiss, and disappeared in utter glee.
Finally, I could relax, but my heart was still pounding...
I looked up and quietly thanked God, whispering, “How awesome is the healing power of love? Even when everything else fails to heal, love never does. It always succeeds.”
THE END
