... as to...

Hello

Reading a book named "Listening for Lions" by Gloria Whelan, I came to a phrase which I did not understand:

"When we were alone, the grandfather, pausing between breaths, said, “I
wanted just two things: to see you, Valerie, and to see the return of my own
bird this spring, the bird I call Hylocichla guttata pritchardi. You are here,
and as to the bird, I have no hope to hang on long enough for my little
thrush.” He heaved a great sigh. “The best I can hope for is that I may live to
see the flycatchers’ return, for they will soon be here.”"

Does it mean ...

that only seeing the bird is left to make me like life

??

Thank you