Make way for ducklings

Do you remember this children's book, written over sixty years ago?

I'm pretty sure that my daughter Lauren and I read that book together so many years ago. As I prepare to leave the U.S. for South Africa and part from my daughter for at least one year (a year goes fast, of course) what reveals the maternal bond better than a mother duck and her ducklings?

Certainly, mother ducks don't drop their babies from their nests. One day the mother ducks must just swim away. 

Note: These great photos were taken by my friend Barbara Orsow from Ashland, Oregon. Thanks to Barbara for giving me permission to share her art.

I believe that one day, Barbara will be well-known for her nature photographs, do you agree?