The Bird was on the Wing

Merril rang in tears and my reaction contained a surprising element.
 Merril was driving a country road when she hit and believes killed, a bird.
I knew she was driving and received the unexpected phone call from her.  It could have been anything.  I must admit I was relieved when she told me the reasons for her tears.
That is not to say I do not care for the bird.  But the fact she was teary, reinforced to me what I knew.  She has a soft heart.  She cares.  She cares about life.  It is one of the things I think we are similar on, on the compatibility scale.  Although it can be a little embarrassing when I see her tear up, and do the same.
But I did not tear up over the bird.  I love human and animal life.  But I do love her life more than a bird’s.  I would have definitely preferred it did not happen.  But it did.  I tried to encourage her on the phone.  I suggested perhaps that bird was a particularly good bird and had come back as a human.  She had done it a favour.
The point I got out of it though was that Merril’s reaction was one of someone who care.  That makes me happy.  I way prefer that to someone who exhibits a callous disregard for life.
At our place we have a shared policy.  Whatever is within our home, and is dangerous, has to be dealt with.  Whatever looks bad but we know not to be dangerous, we encourage outside.  Sometimes that works and sometimes it does not.  But if it is non-threatening, we prefer not to kill it.
But even if it is non-threatening but within our space with a potential to surprise us, we will deal with it.  We value our peace of mind over its right to run about and cause us angst in our home. 
I had that situation two nights ago.  A non-threatening spider was running about in the room.  It was up high and particularly active.  I should say it started up high and made its way to ground level very quickly.  I had a choice to make.  Kill it and go back to bed or risk us both having a disturbed night’s sleep, knowing the spider could emerge anywhere at any time.  I did not like doing it, but I killed it.  We both enjoyed a good night’s sleep.
It is said some American Indians apologise to their prey before killing it.  I feel I understand that.  I derive no pleasure in killing an animal.  Yet sometimes necessity means I need to.  I will do all I can to avoid it if it is non-threatening.  But I will do what I feel I must.
So Merril in tears over a bird’s demise tells me she cares.  I care for the bird too, but I do admit I care for her more.