Empty Nest
Posted by blackramfarm on June 1, 2008
Yesterday I cleaned out the hay hut a bit and discovered 2 duck nests with 30 old eggs, all cold. Nobody was sitting on them. The problem with old eggs is that over time the mass inside becomes unstable and they can pop if moved. The pop is like an explosion of the nastiest smelly smell ever. It lingers for about 2 weeks, worse then a skunk.
I removed the eggs and ditched them in the woods for the weasel. The females didn’t seem to mind. Two females are nesting full time on a clutch, the two older females are enjoying their freedom, waddling around the yard with the male.
I am not as settled. Both girls are gone and living with their Dad. It is not natural or normal and sometimes I am able to be ok with it. It is a real struggle at other times. I hate it when folks ask me where my daughters are, I always feel so empty and can see the confusion folks have when I tell them they are away. After all, shouldn’t mother’s raise their children?
About 10 years ago I was very ill and left NH for Vermont to heal. About a year later I was too ill to take care of my girls and they went back to NH to live with their Dad while I sought treatment. I got better and Emilie came back to live with me while Elizabeth wanted to stay settled in NH. I agreed to it for the sake of peace. Sometimes a sacrifice I sorely regret. It has worked for the most part with a ton of traveling for visits back and forth.
Emilie when back to NH this past year to live with her Dad, Step-mom and sister. She though it important to have her last year at home with her sister and to get to know her Dad better and I agree. It has been a great experience for both her and Lulu. Again a sacrifice I sometimes regret.
I want to be selfish and have both girls here with me, like the duck on the nest brooding over her eggs. My little duckies are good where they are and although my nest is now empty, I am learning to deal. I am learning to be like the older ducks. Quack!
