April 17, 2013

“The innocence of children is what makes them stand out as a shining example to the rest of Mankind.”

― Kurt Chambers

Finnley walked around with what I thought was an invisible pet named Pincher for over an hour. After closer examination, I realized Pincher was a bee he was proud to have saved from a puddle.

He excitedly told me about how he had discovered the Carpenter Drone flailing around helplessly on the driveway. He looked for a stick to fish him from the murky water before he succumbed to a certain muddy demise.

However, his new friend was far too weak and wet to fly away, so he fashioned a lifeline for him to cling to until he was ready to go about his bee business. My heart swelled at the sight of his innocent little freckled face, beaming with delight in sparring a simple creature’s life. If only all of humanity could be so conscious of the significance of existence, no matter how big or small. I praised him for seeing value in Pincher’s life and giving him the gift of buzzing about for another day.

Pincher posed for a picture, clinging desperately to a piece of yellow ‘bee leash’ yarn, per Finn’s request, so he could always remember his bravery and recognize Pincher again someday.

After our photo shoot, I assured Finn that Pincher was probably ready to go home and tell his family about the valiant little boy who saved him, vividly describing the epic dance he’d perform and encouraged him to set him free.

He can learn about bee life cycles another day. Today, Finn is a hero.