Isaid thatthecodesaysclearly,“Nobirds allowedin
nursing homes.”
He said, “But what about birds?”
I said, “Whataboutbirds?”
Hesaid,“Justpicture—lookoutyourwindowrighthere.
Picturethatwe’reinJanuaryorFebruary.Wehavethree
feetof snow outside.Whatsounds doyou hearinthe
nursing home?”
I said, “Well,you hear some residentsmoaning. You
possiblyhearsomelaughter.Youheartelevisionsonin
differentareas,maybealittlemorethanwe’dlikethemto
be.”Isaid,“You’llhearanannouncementoverthePA
system.”
“What other sounds are you hearing?”
Isaid,“Well,you’rehearingstaffinteractingwitheach
other and with residents.”
Hesaid,“Yeah,butwhatarethosesoundsthataresounds
of life—of positive life?”
“You’re talking birdsong.”
“Yes!”
Isaid, “Howmanybirdsareyoutalkingto createthis
birdsong?”
He said, “Let’s put one hundred.”
“ONEHUNDREDBIRDS?INTHISPLACE?”Isaid,
“You’vegottobeoutofyourmind!Haveyoueverlived