Today I had a visitor come to IBR. His name is Shigeru Yabu (Shig) who, when he was nine years old in 1942, was forced, along with his parents, from their home in CA to the Heart Mountain Relocation Center in Cody until WWII was over. During their internment the children didn't worry about the future but lived day to day. One day that included a bunch of boys trying to knock a nest out of a tall tree but when it fell they found a baby bird in it. A baby Black-billed Magpie without any feathers. Shig took it back to his barrack where his mother didn't want it around but was convinced to let the baby stay.
In 2007 Shig wrote a childrens book about that very baby bird. "Hello Maggie!" is an amazing story about how this tiny bird brought some joy to an otherwise very difficult time for these Americans of Japanese descent. MAGGIE learned to talk, even some Japanese words, and became a treasured member of his family as well as a friend to all who came by to say hello. I urge all to read this marvelous book, especially to your children.
Shig is now on the Board of the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation and was here for one of their meetings. It was an honor to meet such a nice man and I look forward to their big get together this coming August. The one photo shows Shig visiting a magpie staying here until she can be sent to NC for use in educational programs.
What an intereting and heart warming story. Maggies are such cool birds. I also liked the blog about your volunteer job at the BBHC, it was a good idea to include it here.
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