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The second experience happened while driving Pine
Island’s Stringfellow Road at sundown. We were
returning from a Saturday night seafood dinner date
at a Bokeelia restaurant. Several local fishermen
were whooping it up at the bar while we dined. They
departed just ahead of us and piled into their truck
for the ride down island.
 Suddenly, they stopped their vehicle in the middle
of the southbound lane. Two of these rowdy, yet no
less compassionate, hard-working men jumped out to
move a dead bird off the road and lay it gently on
the grassy edge. It was a peacock!
The mate had been loyally guarding its fallen
partner on the road, despite the danger of
approaching automobiles. The splendid, regal bird
followed to the parkway to resume its duty. There
was a plant nursery nearby and this pair was
probably part of their collection of domestic and
exotic pets.
| I had read stories of monogamous life partners among
animals, especially in the bird world. Geese,
eagles, hawks and owls form long-lasting bonds and
often remain for a long period by their chosen
partner’s side as if to mourn their passing. It
appeared just that way for both loon and peacock. |
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In our human world of natural beings, I have
observed similar exemplary behaviors. Many of our
CHEC volunteers provide excellent models of a shared
commitment to life partners and to community
service. Often they schedule their work hours
together. One may woman the office, while the
other mans the Caniff Visitor Building, trail
guides or works on maintenance projects.
Over the years, several of these generous, giving
persons have lost their equally caring spouse. We
watched as the healthy mate cared for and supported
the ailing wife or husband. We all experienced a
sense of loss at CHEC, but were enriched by having
known them.
We admired the strength that springs from the years
of shared joys and sorrows these couples have
endured. They demonstrate utmost loyalty and dignity
through all the natural cycles of life. We can learn
important life lessons from these individuals and
the choices they make at life’s many crossroads.
We thank them for being an integral part of the CHEC
community.
Please click here for additional information
or if you would like to contact the
author of this article, Monica Dorken. Thank you!
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