Burt, we don't know each other (though I've read good posts by and about you) but what you said about spending time with your grandkids speaks volumes about you. Just as I was reading your post my little four year old granddaughter just came in here (she spent the night with us last night)...I felt compelled to give her an extra big hug. As for that 5 year old grandson...sounds like you've got another bird man coming along there. Kids are so sharp these days so be sure to explain to him some of what's going on with the birds, where there going, etc., so that he knows that they're ok.
My brother was a kidney/transplant patient from a teenager on. At work he had a poster on the wall in front of his desk...there was a rocky coastal scene, really hazardous looking area. The caption reads "Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off of the goal".
You and yours are in my prayers.
Ed