I didn't want her having made it against the odds herself the complete focus of the story, but that was the point I started off from. So often it is the case that those who have been through something are more sensitive to others. I didn't want to say too much about her seeing something of herself in the bird and have it more as an uncurrent. I spent far too much time on the phrasing where that came up trying to get it to where I was happy with it. If there were more words, there mightve been more about her life, her being there so the bird didn't have to fight alone and a hint of her having had to face some difficult days without support. That is definitely a self healing people can find through caring for rescue animals, be it getting through something together, or being there for them in a way a person never got.

Have to agree with you there, got a few rescue animals myself, when little Mia (a conure who was born missing a toe on one of her feet, her leg developed a bit funny because of it and she can't balance as easily) goes to sleep on my shoulder, leaning against me for support, there is no better treatment for any woes I might have. Very much appreciate the comments :)