Nurture, over Nature...

When I was a kid, there was nothing I wanted to be more than a veterinarian. During the summer and on the weekends, I would run outside almost as soon as the sun was up, in search of any 'critter' that might need assistance. I think it started with a baby bird that had either been pushed or crawled out of it's nest, and splatted on the ground below. I do know...it didn't live. But, that just gave me a determination, every chance I had, to find any animal I could and help it. Birds, bunnies, even a snake or two (much to my mother's dismay). If there was a dog that could follow me home, it did. Yesterday, as I was working, my youngest came in and told me our dog was missing. I was worried, because she has a reputation for sneaking out of the yard. Usually she stays near the house, so we have always found her, but it's always fairly concerning. I took a break, and went out back to look for the dog. I didn't see her in the yard initially, but then happened to turn and see her under C's backyard climber thing-y. And then the screaming entered my brain. She had a baby bunny, and she was bound and determined NOT to give it up. One of the boys and I chased her around the yard trying to get her to give it up. By the time we got it, it was bleeding from the nose, and I didn't think it was breathing. But - my tenderhearted son being who he is, he tried to give the bunny chest compressions, and low and behold, it breathed. He asked if he could try to save it, and I saw myself, younger than him, trying to save a set of bunnies my brother had run over with the lawn mower. I was so scared for them, and my mom went and purchased the milk replacer and the syringe to feed them. I set up the box for them, kept them warm and tried to feed them. I had so much hope... And yet, one by one, they died. Wild bunnies are just hard to keep alive. When E brought the bunny in last night, I told him there was very little chance. He eagerly asked if he could keep the bunny if it lived. I told him sure - knowing it was a safe bet because...well...bunnies are hard to keep alive. My husband bought the milk replacer, and last night, the kids eagerly reported the bunny drank several drops of milk. I thought - well - maybe... I didn't know it, but E stayed up with the bunny. He said he fell asleep at 2 AM. He woke up at 5... ... It had died. He left for school before we were up this morning. He has started this new plan of working out every morning by walking/running to school, and often leaves before 7. I came out to check on the bunny, and saw it was missing. I didn't know what had happened until just now. I know it's silly to have hoped...I knew what would most likely happen. But...my heart breaks, because while that bunny didn't really have a chance, knowing my son was so wrapped up in caring for it...I just hurt knowing it hurt him. And yet, in his growing capacity as a man, he took care of the mess, and moved on. I am proud of him. My middle three don't look like me - given that they have a different mom - but yesterday, I saw me reflected in him, and it was a wonderful sight. I wish, for him, that bunny had had a different outcome. But...seeing your children be merciful and tender with something as small as a baby bunny definitely makes you believe you are doing something right.