Crested Caracara : The Child’s Way
This is a Crested Caracara. He’s a juvenile. His posture is a little atypical for my photos, but he’s just doing his own thing. Since learning of these birds and looking for them, I’ve seen quite a few. And I love it each time I see one. But at this particular park - the place I frequent the most - I’d never seen a caracara before this morning. They’re somewhat uncommon here. As I say, he’s a juvenile. Perhaps he ended up here because he’s lost? Or he’s looking for an unclaimed territory? Or perhaps he’s just struck out on his own and is feeling the power of youth and exploration? I suppose these questions are all unanswerable, and in a sense, unnecessary. This youngster will surely find his own way as he’s supposed to.
In Biblical times, blessing one’s children, particularly on one’s deathbed, was an important practice. I’m always struck by Jacob’s blessing to his twelve sons. Reading them we might even question whether they are in fact a blessing, as more than a few of them veer into criticism, almost even bordering on curses. They certainly seem a bit harsh to the modern ear. But presumably all these assessments were true and reflected a father’s unvarnished understanding of his sons and their futures. These blessings imply paternal love while also acknowledging that sons and father have opposed values. This is yet another example of the Bible’s clear, honest depiction of the complexities of family life.
Parents frequently are torn between our experienced judgment of what’s best for our children and encouraging them to find their own way. We establish guard rails, allowing children progressively more autonomy as they mature and demonstrate judgment. Where problems arise is when parents lovingly but mistakenly see their children exclusively through their own eyes, depriving kids of either well-earned freedoms or indulging them with liberty they’re unready to manage. Children can get lost, and they can be locked in place. The right balance is elusive. I don’t know the Caracara’s path, but as I try to parent as best I’m able, I’m reminded of Jacob’s blessing which maintains clear perspective tempered with love.