The other day I asked my favorite 10-year-old (aka my grandson Lincoln) to give me a topic for an article this week.

Linc: Uh, I don’t know.

Me: C’mon man I need help!

Linc [makes grinding noise]: OK let me just boot up my brain …

Me: [waiting …]

Linc: I KNOW – write about my chickens!

Oh snap. Now I gotta write about his chickens, don’t I! So here goes.

A few months ago, Lincoln’s mama decided to become a chicken farmer, right in the middle of Suburbia, USA. She would have to verify, but I’m pretty sure he was the only one in the household who was interested besides her. So maybe he started his chicken career by default, but I know he embraced the role very quickly, and named them … Soup, Noodle, Nugget, Stew, Pie, Cassie (short for casserole) and Teri (teriyaki).

I have to give my daughter props – “the girls” have a sweet setup! She has researched and researched, and told me that learning all the things is one of the best parts.

The worst part? Apparently chickens will EAT THEIR OWN EGGS! And then they teach all their other friends … its been a battle of wits for sure. In the end though? Christa 1, the girls 0.

The Growth I’ve seen in him these past weeks and months has been astounding. He willingly and cheerfully (well mostly) does his chicken chores, most of which just sound gross to me. He gathers eggs, helps with food and water, and with opening and closing their little house. Sometimes he helps clean the coop.

Especially cool is the tender care he shows them. Remember he’s 10? And a boy?

This was a bummer day … Soup was sick, they could tell, but they didn’t know why. It was cold outside then – Lincoln sat in this chair warming up his chicken for a very long time. Watching her breathe, ever more slowly.  Eventually poor Soup was gone from this world, and a sad boy was left behind.

He just picked up where he left off though, sad but determined. Before long they were the proud owners of four baby chicks (as yet unnamed since they can’t tell them apart). And two baby ducks, Flip and Flop. Living in their house, because they were babies. He was over the moon for them – still is – and he’s showered them with all the Love he has.

Every time I visit, I get the “chicken tour” – of course I need to see how big the babies have gotten, and watch Noodle/Karen (she’s a bit of a pain) jump into Linc’s arms, and hear all the chicken stories. Even if I was just there the day before, the chicken tour is part of my visit.

I love this boy so! It’s great fun to visit his chicken world, and wow have I learned a lot about chickens. I mean, a LOT. And the changes I’ve seen in him carry over into the rest of his life – even at my house he’s suddenly picking up after himself without being asked, busing his dishes without being reminded, making his bed.

Maybe there’s a lesson in here for all of us … sometimes the very best use of my time is to keep taking the chicken tour!

The post THINGS I’VE LEARNED FROM CHICKEN BOY appeared first on Angie Clayton.

Angie Clayton Author|Speaker|Storyteller

Angie Clayton is an author, speaker and editor who has a passion for connecting with the hurting. She is a storyteller, and her writing is rich with diversity. On her blog, Framing the Days, Angie shares with you the joys and beauty of both the mountain tops and the valleys of her life and the lives of those around her. Her book, “Peering into the Tunnel: An Outsider’s Look into Grief,” is a collection of real stories, as well as helpful suggestions to best serve someone who is grieving.

Angie is a long-time Bible teacher who is passionate about connecting with younger generations, and engaging with the hurting. She spends much of her time doing life one-on-one with women. Her speaking engagements include numerous in-person, radio and podcast appearances on many topics, including Grief, Grandparenting, chronic illness, and life after Retirement.

Achievements:

Angie graduated from the University of Kansas with degrees in Accounting and Business Administration, followed by her CPA certification

Personal Interests:

Angie and Greg, married for 36 years now, live in the Kansas City area, and they have two children and four grandchildren. Angie enjoys spending time with the grandkids, reading, puzzles and amateur photography. She is passionate about walking out life’s storms with those around her.

Contribution to the Community:

Angie and her husband were foster parents for a number of years. She volunteered for more than a decade at Camp CUMCITO (City Union Mission’s Camp in the Ozarks), which serves hundreds of low-income kids, primarily from urban KC.

Angie was recognized as “Kindest Kansas Citian” in 2003 for her work with children.

Fun Fact:

Angie homeschooled her kids while they were in high school, which was no easy feat!