Crow Call

Lizzie's father has just returned home after fighting overseas in WWII for longer than she can remember.  This story shows the beginning steps in rekindling their strained relationship.  Though Lizzie is excited to spend the day with her father, she's shy: "I practice saying his name to myself, whispering it under my breath.  Daddy.  Daddy.  Saying it feels new."

Probably feeling a little unsure himself Daddy selects a gift that is symbolic - something his young daughter will never outgrow.  His concrete, outward gift is a man's flannel shirt that Lizzie can wear through the years as she goes out into the wilderness, building memories with her dad.  The deeper gift, though, is his explicit commitment that he will be present there with her, taking special outings as she continues to grow.

As they head through the gray green hills of the Pennsylvania farmlands to call crows from the silent sky, intending to shoot them, a poignant conversation bubbles up.  The gun, and the thought of her veteran father being both a hunter of men and hunted by men, awaken many of the fears in young Lizzie.  She shyly but honestly initiates a conversation about their shared fears, fear imparted through the legacy of war.  Realizing Lizzie is still scared of guns and has a soft heart for the crows, Daddy elects not to shoot any.  Instead they just call them up and watch them fly peacefully away as they walk peacefully away, hand in hand.

To extend the themes of this book, we watched a short video showing real life reunions between veterans and those they've left behind.  We also read historical documents - letters written from those on the front lines - to their loved ones at home.  These letters and the video revealed the deep love, longing, and fears that transcended the distance separating loved ones during war.       



Links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEecPOyKGKc&app=desktop
http://veterans.heraldtribune.com/2014/07/10/world-war-ii-childs-eyes/
http://dearmotheranddad.typepad.com/
http://www.thejucketts.com/civilwar/december271861.htm
http://www.thejucketts.com/civilwar/june111861.htm