Make Way for Ducklings

I was in a hurry. (As usual.) And I was driving down Hurstbourne Parkway, one of Louisville's largest, widest, busiest roads.

It was all tied up. I was creeping, crawling, wondering if I should try to veer off, turn around, and go another way. But I wasn't close to a good place to turn.

I feared an interstate wreck, but I could see the traffic on the interstate above, speeding along as usual. The problem was on Hurstbourne itself. That did not bode well. I usually try to remain calm in the car. Road rage gives you wrinkles. But I confess I was gripping the wheel somewhat tightly.

But then, up ahead, I saw some women in the road scurrying around. I couldn't imagine what they were doing in the middle of six lanes of traffic. There was no obvious wreckage to clear. Their movements were too erratic to be picking up dropped cargo. What was going on?

And then, I saw something below them. There were ducklings. It looked like, maybe, 20 of them, all gathered around a harried-looking mother duck. She was hustling, but taking her time about it. (Ducks can do that.) Finally, she spotted the end of the pavement and make a run for it, the babies staying right with her. Quick as that, they were off Hurstbourne and in a very homey looking draining ditch.

"Look!" I cried to my son. "Look! It's like Make Way for Ducklings!"

My son loves to read and he usually enjoys even old books. But Make Way for Ducklings does not translate well for him, despite being a classic. I don't know why, exactly. It never really did for me either. I think it's because the only human character has a job that is so hard to relate to now. He directs traffic? Full time?

But there, on one of the busiest streets of Louisville yesterday, the moment was recreated. Two women were helping a mama duck. And Hurstbourne stood still -- or at least really slowed down -- because of it.

It made me smile all day.