Adventures in Odyssey

Camilla Parker: Hi, Eugene.

Eugene Meltsner: Oh, greetings, Miss Parker.

Camilla Parker: Camilla. What are you doing?

Eugene Meltsner: Doing?

Camilla Parker: You're just standing here in the middle of the park.

Eugene Meltsner: Oh, on the contrary. I am not merely standing here. I am basking in the glory of an exquisite day. And it appears as if all of creation is enjoying it as much as I am. Behold, an American robin feeding her young. And a western meadowlark. If only I had my binoculars.

Camilla Parker: Okay. Well, I guess I'll see you later.

Eugene Meltsner: Bye. A mourning dove. How sad the gentle cry of this beloved, peaceful bird. Sweet dove.

Camilla Parker: Eugene, I don't think it wants you to—

Eugene Meltsner: Yes, I hear your plaintive cry.

Camilla Parker: Wow! I've never seen a bird do that before. It's like it was aiming straight for your head.

Eugene Meltsner: That was extremely odd.

Camilla Parker: Look out, here it comes again!

Eugene Meltsner: There must be some mistake. Doves are supposed to be peaceful. Miss Parker, take cover! I've never tried outrunning a bird before!

Camilla Parker: Hmm, I guess nature was enjoying the day for different reasons than he was.

Suzy Flanagan: Hi, Camilla.

Camilla Parker: Hi, Suzy.

Suzy Flanagan: What's Eugene doing in that bush?

Camilla Parker: Oh, he was being attacked by a dove.

Suzy Flanagan: That's weird. So, who's this?

Camilla Parker: My new puppy.

Suzy Flanagan: He's yours? You got a puppy?

Camilla Parker: Oh, he's so cute. What's his name?

Suzy Flanagan: He's Spats.

Camilla Parker: Hi, Spats. Oh, he's beautiful.

Suzy Flanagan: You should get one. The Flanagan family has a whole litter. They're giving them away to good families.

Camilla Parker: Really? Oh, I'd love to get a dog. I'll ask my parents.

Suzy Flanagan: Do you really think they'll let you have one?

Camilla Parker: Why not?

David Parker: Why not? Where do I even begin to answer that question?

Camilla Parker: But Daddy!

David Parker: First and foremost, it's a bad idea.

Camilla Parker: Why? Lots of people have dogs.

David Parker: That's right, Camilla. Lots of people have all kinds of pets. But you've obviously forgotten the Parker family history.

Camilla Parker: What history?

David Parker: Let me recall it for you. But before I do, let's make sure the whole family is present for this. Matthew!

Matthew Parker: Yeah, Dad.

David Parker: Come here, please. Olivia!

Olivia Parker: Yeah, is it time for dinner?

David Parker: No, family meeting. Gather around. Eva, can you hear all right?

Eva Parker: I'm coming. Just let me get this out of the oven.

David Parker: Sure. Okay, I'm reminding Camilla about pets. Olivia, you had that hamster. What was his name?

Olivia Parker: Oh, Mr. Cheeks.

David Parker: Mr. Cheeks. And what happened to him?

Olivia Parker: Matthew killed him.

Matthew Parker: I did not.

Olivia Parker: Yes, you did. You hooked up his spinning wheel to power that reading lamp next to your bed.

Matthew Parker: And it worked. I got an A on that for my science project.

Olivia Parker: Yeah, and Mr. Cheeks died from exhaustion.

Matthew Parker: That's not true. It's an urban legend.

Olivia Parker: Then how did he die?

Matthew Parker: He had a heart attack from all those little chocolate candies you kept feeding him.

Olivia Parker: Did not.

Matthew Parker: Too much cholesterol.

David Parker: Okay, the point is, he died. Probably of unnatural causes.

Camilla Parker: Okay, so that's one case.

David Parker: Oh, and who here remembers the goldfish?

Olivia Parker: Pinky and Lester.

David Parker: Dead within six weeks.

Olivia Parker: Oh, and that frog.

Camilla Parker: Pickles, Pickles. That wasn't my fault. Mom sat on him.

Eva Parker: Well, what was he doing loose and on the kitchen chair?

Camilla Parker: You called us all for dinner. He thought he was part of the family.

Eva Parker: I am not taking blame for that frog. This is not about blame.

David Parker: The point is that this family and pets of any kind are a bad mix.

Camilla Parker: But those pets belong to everyone else. I'll take care of my pet.

David Parker: Pet? What pet?

Camilla Parker: I want to get a puppy.

Matthew Parker: Oh, we're getting a puppy? Cool.

David Parker: No, we are not getting a puppy.

Olivia Parker: What kind is it?

Camilla Parker: A Labrador.

Olivia Parker: Oh, they're so cute.

David Parker: Okay, don't get yourself so worked up. We are not getting a dog.

Camilla Parker: But it's not fair.

Eva Parker: I'm sorry, sweetie, but as your father just pointed out, we're a bad mix. I won't be responsible for the demise of another animal.

David Parker: And I don't think you're old enough to take responsibility for a puppy.

Camilla Parker: Then how about this? If I can prove I'm responsible, can I get one?

David Parker: Let's just drop it for now, okay?

Camilla Parker: Okay. For now.

Matthew Parker: Come on, Matthew, wait till you see Suzy's puppy. All right, I'm coming. I don't think they're going to go away if we're five minutes late.

Camilla Parker: Hurry!

Matthew Parker: Wait, did you hear that?

Camilla Parker: Yeah, it sounds like a baby bird.

Matthew Parker: Hey, look! It is a baby bird.

Camilla Parker: It must have fallen out of a nest.

Matthew Parker: But what nest?

Camilla Parker: I don't see one. There isn't even a tree near here. You suppose he's an orphan?

Matthew Parker: I'm not sure. He looks too young to be learning to fly.

Camilla Parker: Well, we can't just leave him here. What are we going to do?

Matthew Parker: Beats me. We're closest to Whit's End. Mr. Whittaker will know what to do.

John Whittaker: Good morning.

Connie Kendall: Good morning. Eugene?

John Whittaker: Yes, Mr. Whittaker. What are you doing?

Eugene Meltsner: Doing about what?

Connie Kendall: You're wearing a football helmet.

Eugene Meltsner: Well observed.

Connie Kendall: Why?

Eugene Meltsner: To avoid the pain of being accosted by another bird.

Connie Kendall: Really?

Eugene Meltsner: Yes. I don't know what I've done to offend them, but they have been coming after me in full force.

Connie Kendall: One came after you yesterday.

Eugene Meltsner: On the way here, and another attacked me on the way home.

Connie Kendall: Another dove to be specific. Well, you should take that helmet off. You're going to scare the kids.

Eugene Meltsner: Oh.

Connie Kendall: Hi, Matthew. Hi, Camilla. What are you two doing?

Matthew Parker: What's that noise? Oh, we found a baby bird and we don't know what to do with him.

Eugene Meltsner: It's not a dove, is it? Where's my helmet?

Connie Kendall: Calm down, Eugene. It's tiny, whatever it is. See?

Eugene Meltsner: It appears you have acquired an infant Cyanocitta cristata.

Camilla Parker: Uh?

Eugene Meltsner: A baby blue jay.

Connie Kendall: Hey, you shouldn't be touching the bird, right? Won't the mom reject it if it smells like a human?

Matthew Parker: That's what I said.

Eugene Meltsner: Actually, that's an unfounded legend.

Matthew Parker: That's what I thought.

Eugene Meltsner: Regardless, you should endeavor to return this bird to its nest at once, where it has the optimal chance for survival.

Matthew Parker: We don't know where its nest is.

Camilla Parker: The poor thing was lying on the sidewalk.

Eugene Meltsner: Oh, a nestling. That's unfortunate. Without anyone to take responsibility for this creature, it could die. Look, see the way he opens his mouth like that? It means he's probably hungry.

Camilla Parker: Well, there's another species of bird that doesn't like you, Eugene.

Eugene Meltsner: Yes.

Connie Kendall: Right.

Camilla Parker: Matthew, do you know what this means?

Matthew Parker: Eugene has to get rabies shots?

Eugene Meltsner: What? Birds can't carry rabies.

Camilla Parker: No, I'm talking about my prayer last night. If I show responsibility for taking care of something, maybe I can get a puppy.

Matthew Parker: But animals don't survive in our house, Camilla.

Camilla Parker: This one will. You'll see. So will Mom and Dad. I'll break the curse.

Matthew Parker: Curse? What curse?

Camilla Parker: It's a family thing. Let's go. I can't wait to show Mom and Dad.

Eva Parker: Oh, hi, hon. How was work?

David Parker: Long. I was in an endless meeting.

Eva Parker: Where are the kids?

David Parker: Olivia's upstairs.

Camilla Parker: Mom, Dad, we found a baby blue jay on the sidewalk and it was so small and we couldn't find its nest, so I think God wants me to take care of it.

David Parker: Wait. What?

Camilla Parker: In a bit, Eugene, and now I might have bird rabies, but I think he's just hungry.

David Parker: Eugene's hungry?

Camilla Parker: So can we keep it?

David Parker: Wait, wait. Wait a minute.

Olivia Parker: Hey, what's going on?

Camilla Parker: We found a baby bird. See?

Olivia Parker: Oh, he's kind of cute in a bald, disgusting sort of way.

David Parker: I don't think it's a good idea to keep this bird. It really needs to be with its mother.

Camilla Parker: But that's the problem. We can't find his mother or his nest. And we couldn't just leave it to die on the sidewalk.

David Parker: Well, I'll call the rescue shelter. Maybe they'll take it.

Camilla Parker: But Dad, why can't we keep it?

David Parker: Camilla, we talked about this earlier.

Camilla Parker: But this is the answer to my prayer. Maybe this is God's way of teaching me.

David Parker: But sweetheart, you don't know anything about raising a baby bird.

Camilla Parker: I could learn. How hard could it be? Please, Dad? Oh, please, oh please, oh please.

Olivia Parker: I'll help too, Dad. I'll serve as an observer and advice giver.

David Parker: Thanks, Olivia. Well, that was easy. I talked to the local shelter and they said that no one takes baby birds.

Camilla Parker: See, Dad? He's going to die if we don't do something.

David Parker: But Camilla, raising a bird is a lot of work and you'll need to— okay, okay, listen. You'll have to learn what to feed him and how often. He'll need a nest of some sort.

Olivia Parker: We can make one.

David Parker: There's a point when he'll have to learn how to fly and then leave.

Camilla Parker: We can teach him.

David Parker: That's all if he lives that long.

Camilla Parker: What? Dad!

David Parker: I'm sorry, sweetheart, but I want you to be prepared for that possibility. Especially with this family's track record.

Camilla Parker: It won't happen. I'm going to break our pet curse.

David Parker: We don't have a pet— who said we're cursed?

Matthew Parker: Everybody.

Eva Parker: Okay, okay, just remember, you're taking on this responsibility, so no matter how difficult it gets, you have to see it through. You got it?

Camilla Parker: I got it. I promise. Oh, I'll get it.

Matthew Parker: So what is it going to eat?

Eva Parker: Well, I don't know. What do you think he likes?

Wooton Bassett: Buenos días, Mrs. Parker. I got your mail right here. This one package was just a little big for the mailbox.

Camilla Parker: Oh, hey, maybe Wooton knows.

Wooton Bassett: Well, I never did before, but there's a first time for everything. What is it?

Matthew Parker: A baby bird.

Wooton Bassett: Whoa, you have one of those?

Eva Parker: Come on in, Wooton.

Wooton Bassett: Okay. Hey, how great is that? You know, I raised a baby bird once.

Camilla Parker: We needed help and Wooton came to the door. Is this God or what?

David Parker: I wouldn't go that far. Not so fast.

Eva Parker: You raised a bird, Wooton?

Wooton Bassett: Oh, sure. When I lived in Alaska. He was a great horned owl named Dr. What.

David Parker: Dr. What?

Wooton Bassett: Exactly. Dr. Who would have been a better name, but I think it's trademarked.

Camilla Parker: If you know about baby birds, then maybe you can tell us what to feed him.

Wooton Bassett: Oh, well, you know, I know baby owls like partially digested mice, which aren't too bad once you get past the fur. No, no, no, just kidding. I didn't actually eat any mice. I don't even know any. I'd say that your bird would probably appreciate something with a lot of protein like grubs or beetles.

Camilla Parker: Eww, I am not chewing beetles for any bird.

Matthew Parker: We could put them in the blender.

Camilla Parker: Eww!

Eva Parker: No, you can't.

Wooton Bassett: She's probably right. But you could substitute those with ground beef or maybe dog food, which is kind of weird when you think about it. I mean, a bird eating dog food. But then again, I did have an Irish Setter named Artichoke who used to eat birdseed. He was a bird dog.

David Parker: Now, that is funny.

Wooton Bassett: It is why?

Camilla Parker: Hey, Mom, can we go to the store and get some dog food?

Eva Parker: We have ground beef. Let's just use that.

Camilla Parker: Thanks, Wooton.

Wooton Bassett: Oh, sure, you guys, anytime. Hey, have fun with your bird and remember to take a lot of naps whenever you can.

David Parker: Naps? What do you mean?

Wooton Bassett: Because, you know, most baby birds eat every 23 minutes from sunrise to sunset.

David Parker: You're kidding.

Matthew Parker: He must be.

Wooton Bassett: Nope.

David Parker: Are you sure you want to do this, Camilla?

Camilla Parker: Yeah!

Wooton Bassett: Well, I hope it turns out okay. Oh, by the way, what happened to your horned owl? He died.

David Parker: What?

Wooton Bassett: Yeah, him.

David Parker: Okay, thanks, Wooton. See you later.

Camilla Parker: My bird won't die. I won't let him die. I'll do whatever it takes.

David Parker: Camilla. Camilla.

Camilla Parker: Hey, little bird. Oh, you're hungry again? Okay.

David Parker: Good thing it's Saturday. I'm not sure how you're going to do this on a school day.

Camilla Parker: Maybe I can take him in and make him my project.

David Parker: Well, I don't think your teacher would appreciate that. Feeding him every 23 minutes while she's trying to have class may be a little disruptive.

Camilla Parker: Then what will I do?

David Parker: I guess you'll have to figure that out. He's your responsibility, right?

Camilla Parker: Right.

John Whittaker: Well, hi, Camilla, Matthew. Where have you two been all day?

Camilla Parker: I've been taking care of my bird.

Matthew Parker: We've been taking care of our bird.

Camilla Parker: You only fed him once.

Matthew Parker: Well, that's something.

John Whittaker: Well, is this the bird you found out of its nest? Connie told me about that.

Camilla Parker: He has to eat every 20 minutes. I don't have time to do anything else but feed him.

John Whittaker: Just think if you were its mother, you'd have to spend that 20 minutes finding food. All you have to do is go to the kitchen.

Camilla Parker: Yeah, but I'm exhausted just doing that. I thought that taking care of a baby bird would be easy. But he just wants to eat all the time. And it's not like I can play with him. He's not like a puppy.

John Whittaker: Well, it's better to practice on something small. Maybe you'll break the curse.

John Whittaker: Whoa, did you say curse?

Camilla Parker: Yeah, the Parker family pet curse.

John Whittaker: Well, what does that mean?

Matthew Parker: All of our pets die for one reason or another.

John Whittaker: But you're calling it a curse. Is that the word your parents use?

Camilla Parker: No, we made it up. But it is a curse.

John Whittaker: Well, actually, it isn't. There's no such thing as curses. Not the way you mean it. We sometimes use a word like curse in the same way we say good luck or bad luck. They're words we use for things we like or don't like, but they aren't real.

Camilla Parker: Then my bird won't die?

John Whittaker: I didn't say that.

Matthew Parker: But he will die if we can't figure out how to take care of him during the week.

Camilla Parker: He has to eat all day and I don't have anyone to feed him. Dad works and Mom is doing her nursing stuff at the clinic.

John Whittaker: I think there's an easy answer to that. Bring him here. We'll take care of him while you're at school.

Camilla Parker: You will?

John Whittaker: Of course. Drop him by on your way to school and you can pick him up after.

Camilla Parker: That's great, Mr. Whittaker. Thank you.

Matthew Parker: Are you sure? I don't think Eugene is a big fan of birds right now.

John Whittaker: Oh, don't worry about Eugene. I'm sure he'll be happy to help out.

Eugene Meltsner: No, Mr. Whittaker, anything but that.

John Whittaker: Oh, come on, Eugene. It's just a baby bird.

Camilla Parker: I don't know, Whit. Eugene isn't getting along with birds these days.

John Whittaker: Well, I thought you sorted that out. Did you say you researched why those birds were attacking you?

Eugene Meltsner: Indeed. Apparently, some species of birds get very protective of their nests during their baby-making season. I must have done something in the park to scare them at precisely the right time. Now they have it in for me, to use the colloquialism.

Connie Kendall: It's all right. I'll help you take care of the baby bird.

Eugene Meltsner: Thank you, Connie. Please don't feel that I'm in any way attempting to be derelict in my duties here, but you have no idea what it feels like to be swooped upon like that. I'm even considering draconian measures.

Connie Kendall: What kind of measures?

Camilla Parker: Draconian, meaning extreme.

Connie Kendall: I know what it means, but I don't know what you mean.

Eugene Meltsner: Oh, well, I spoke to a specialist who suggested that the birds may be attracted to my hair for their nests. So I'm considering getting rid of it.

John Whittaker: Getting rid of what?

Eugene Meltsner: My hair. All of it.

Matthew Parker: You're kidding. You'd shave your head?

Eugene Meltsner: Well, only if necessary. I can't look any worse than wearing a football helmet all route to work every day.

Connie Kendall: That I've got to see. Now, Connie. Well, I'll bring in some hair clippers.

Eugene Meltsner: Let's hope it won't come to that.

Camilla Parker: Mr. Whittaker!

John Whittaker: Oh, hi, Camilla.

Camilla Parker: How is Dexter?

John Whittaker: Who?

Camilla Parker: Dexter, my bird. Is he okay?

John Whittaker: Oh, he's fine. But you're right. Feeding him every 20 minutes isn't easy. Are you sure you're up for this for another couple of weeks?

Camilla Parker: Two weeks?

John Whittaker: That's how long it should take for a bird his size to learn to fly.

Camilla Parker: Oh, well, sure. I said I would, to prove that I can be responsible. So that's what I'll do.

John Whittaker: Well, good for you. I'll go get Dexter.

Camilla Parker: Thanks, Mr. Whittaker.

Eugene Meltsner: Away! Begone, ye avian creatures! Yikes!

Camilla Parker: Eugene, are you all right?

Eugene Meltsner: That's it! It's more than a man can stand! I've had enough! The birds! I'm going to eliminate their reason for attack. Miss Kendall, Miss Kendall, bring it out, the clippers!

John Whittaker: Are you sure about this, Eugene?

Eugene Meltsner: Entirely. If this is what it takes to walk outside in peace, then I'm willing to do it. Proceed, Miss Kendall.

Connie Kendall: Okay, don't blame me after it's done.

Eugene Meltsner: I take full responsibility.

Connie Kendall: Okay, here goes. Hair today, gone tomorrow.

David Parker: Well, kids, how are things with your bird?

Camilla Parker: Great. Mr. Whittaker took care of him while I was at school, and I've been feeding him ever since.

Matthew Parker: I fed him once.

Olivia Parker: Me too. I'll get it. Maggie Blake is supposed to drop off a book for me.

David Parker: Go ahead, Olivia. Did I hear that you've named him?

Camilla Parker: Dexter.

David Parker: Interesting name, though I wish you hadn't named him.

Camilla Parker: But why not?

David Parker: Naming him adds to your attachment, and you remember you're not keeping him. He has to be taught to fly and let go.

Camilla Parker: I know, but I'll be comforted by my new puppy.

David Parker: What new puppy?

Camilla Parker: The one I'll get because I was so responsible with Dexter.

David Parker: Well, now, wait a minute. We never agreed to that.

Camilla Parker: But why can't I? You've seen how responsible I am.

David Parker: Well, yes, you've done an amazing job, but look, Camilla, I don't want you to get your hopes up about a puppy.

Camilla Parker: But Dad! Hey, look, Wooton's here.

Wooton Bassett: Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize you were eating. I was just on my way home and I thought I'd see how your baby bird was doing.

Camilla Parker: Oh, he's doing great. He's in the box in the living room if you want to go look.

Matthew Parker: His name's Dexter, by the way.

Wooton Bassett: Oh, I love that name, Matthew. You know, I had a moose that came to our backyard all the time that I called Dexter.

Matthew Parker: Why did you call him Dexter?

Wooton Bassett: Because the word Dexter is Latin for right-handed. Anyway, I'll just peek in on the little fellow for a minute if you don't mind.

David Parker: Of course not. Go right ahead.

Matthew Parker: Dad, what does being right-handed have to do with being a moose?

David Parker: Yeah, I have no idea.

Olivia Parker: Me neither.

Camilla Parker: Okay, anyway, about that puppy.

David Parker: No, Camilla, I think we should really talk about—

Wooton Bassett: I'm sorry to bother you folks, but Dexter is barely moving. I think something's wrong with your bird.

David Parker: Nobody panic.

Camilla Parker: Oh, no. Is he alive?

Eva Parker: He's breathing, kind of.

Camilla Parker: Mom, Dad, do something.

David Parker: I don't know what to do. Wooton?

Wooton Bassett: Oh, I'd try beak-to-beak resuscitation, but I'm afraid I might blow him up.

Olivia Parker: Wait, Maggie Blake's dad is a veterinarian. Should I call her?

David Parker: Well, I know Bill. I'll give him a call.

Camilla Parker: Oh, Dexter.

Eva Parker: Oh, sweetie, there's nothing you can do right now. We'll have to wait.

Camilla Parker: I know what to do. I can pray.

David Parker: Well, I just got off the phone with Bill Blake. He said that there's not a whole lot we can do for Dexter. Just make him comfortable and try to feed him if we can.

Camilla Parker: This is all my fault. I shouldn't have left him.

Eva Parker: He was only as far as the living room, Camilla. And you had to eat dinner.

Camilla Parker: It doesn't matter. Oh, if anything happens to him—

David Parker: I'm sorry, Camilla. He'll get better. I believe he will.

Camilla Parker: I'm going to pray and keep praying all night if I have to. Come on, Dexter, you can do it. Fight to live. Do you hear me? Fight to live.

David Parker: Camilla.

Camilla Parker: Dad. Oh, I fell asleep.

David Parker: Dexter. He's still breathing. Have you been able to feed him?

Camilla Parker: No, he won't eat.

David Parker: Look, it's 3:00 in the morning. I don't think there's anything else you can do. You should go to bed.

Camilla Parker: No, Dad, I can't. I have to stay with him and pray.

David Parker: Sweetheart, even with prayer, it's possible he won't make it.

Camilla Parker: Because of the curse?

David Parker: There's no such thing as curses.

Camilla Parker: But there has to be a curse. Why else is this happening?

David Parker: It's happening because baby birds rarely survive when people try to take care of them.

Camilla Parker: But this one has to live. Don't you see? God gave him to me to be responsible. And if he dies, then—

David Parker: If he dies, then he dies. That's the way it works sometimes.

Camilla Parker: Then what was the point of me helping him?

David Parker: The point? One point is that you're a loving and compassionate person who saw a need and tried to meet it. I'm proud of you for that. Whatever else happens, well, that's God's business.

Camilla Parker: But I'm praying for Dexter.

David Parker: And that's good. Whether Dexter lives or dies, we hold on to our faith in God. And we don't become superstitious about things like curses. Do you understand?

Camilla Parker: Yeah, Dad, I do.

David Parker: Okay. You're going to stay here?

Camilla Parker: Uh-huh.

David Parker: All right. Good night, sweetheart.

Camilla Parker: Good night, Daddy. And thanks for coming down.

David Parker: See you in the morning.

John Whittaker: Good morning, Camilla.

Camilla Parker: Good morning, Mr. Whittaker.

John Whittaker: Oh, dear, is something wrong? Where's Dexter?

Camilla Parker: He passed away last night.

John Whittaker: I'm terribly sorry to hear that. How are you doing?

Camilla Parker: I'm sad. Do you believe that God wants everything that happens to us to teach us something?

John Whittaker: Sure. Why? Do you think you learned something from this experience?

Camilla Parker: Yeah, I learned that responsibility isn't easy.

John Whittaker: Anything else?

Camilla Parker: Well, doing our best isn't always mean things will happen the way we want. Sometimes God has other plans.

John Whittaker: That's a hard lesson, Camilla, but an important one.

Eugene Meltsner: Mr. Whittaker, I— oh, hello, Camilla.

Camilla Parker: Hi, Eugene. What happened to your hair?

Eugene Meltsner: Oh, happily, I decided that hair is for the birds. I have donated it to assure my safety, and through it, my enemies are now my friends. Let peace reign once again in Odyssey's fair parks.

Guest (Male): Whoopee! Help! I don't get it! The birds keep swooping at my head! Oh, no! Miss Kendall, bring the clippers! What?

Chris: In between the dive-bombing birds, the family curses, and wild hair clippers, I hope you noticed what Mr. Parker said about God knowing what's best. In fact, there's a verse in Matthew 10 that fits today's show perfectly.

Jesus says that not one sparrow falls to the ground without God knowing about it. Then he says, "You're worth more than many sparrows." Just as Camilla was holding that little bird in her hands today, the Creator is holding us in his hands.

And that's the best place for us to be. You can find out more about today's adventure, "For the Birds," including discussion questions, devotionals, and how to get your own copy, on our website at whitsend.org.

Today's adventures included in Album 51: Take It from the Top, along with 11 other adventures. You can write to us at: Adventures in Odyssey, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80995. Or in Canada, write to: Box 9800, Vancouver, BC, V6B 4G3.

Adventures in Odyssey's a presentation of Focus on the Family. "For the Birds" was written by Phil Walton and Paul McCusker with sound design by Jonathan Crowe. Music by John Campbell. And our cast included Sydney Shiotani, Mark Evan Jackson, Will Ryan, and Zach Callison.

And I'm Chris, hoping you'll join us again next time for more Adventures in Odyssey.