By Mari Radtke
We all face difficult times. Some difficulties are more tragic than others. Coping strategies vary from person to person. Jackie and Jordan Bird personify the best of coping with tragedy.
On August 5, 2017 Jackie gave birth to Psalm Elaine Bird. Psalm skipped life on this earth. She was stillborn. The young couple mourned, recovered and became proud parents of Tucker, 6 and Blakely, 3. Psalm’s name was originally to be Blakely.
Remembering and honoring lost loved ones helps with coping. Bob and Carol Bird, Psalm’s grandparents, “wanted to honor her in some way.” They chose a significant book donation to the Sutherland Library.
Tucker and Blakely spend a lot of time at the Sutherland Library. “We thought it would be an opportunity to provide living history books as well as books that talk about family life,” said Jackie. She felt there was a need for Christian books and books that highlight good morals and values. “I feel like a lot of books lack that now.”
Tucker has advanced reading skills. That reached a point that made book selection hard for the family to find appropriate books. Together they selected and donated appropriate books with faith themes threaded into them. Books with character building messages are what they were looking for. The family is intent on adding more books as they come across books we feel are good additions. Their first book donation was 84 books and included a full set of the “Little House” classic series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. “The Sugar Creek Gang” series of 6 is another new addition to the Sutherland Library. Another part of the donation is a nearly 50 book set featuring Christian heroes. The heroes are men and women who answered God’s call as chronicled by C. S. Lewis. Jackie describes the books as “exciting, challenging and deeply touching true stories of ordinary men and women whose trust in God accomplished extraordinary exploits for His Kingdom.” Biographies are really great reading for grade school and middle school kids. Jackie added, “They are historical figures and make good reading for all.”
Jackie explained that she saw much need for conservative books in the library. “I thought is would be a good way to honor Psalm.” Tucker helped to pick out the books. These books are available for check out now.
“I am grateful to my inlaws for doing this (making the book donation in Psalm’s honor),” said Jackie.