Squirrels, silly subject,
but one that has been one my mind. I have always loved the natural wonders
found in nature. When I was growing up, I used to have a squirrel that would
eat peanuts out of my hand. For a couple of summers, a grey squirrel would come
running down the street when I would make a silly clicking sound. He would take
the peanuts right out of my hand. He would crack open the shell and nibble away
on the peanuts. And then one summer, he stopped coming…
Occasionally, Beth and Shane
would make fun of me when I would talk about the birds and squirrels. Beth and
Shane were great at ganging up and picking on me – always in fun, always in
jest.
Our dog, Lola, does not like
squirrels. One of Lola’s favorite pastimes is to chase the squirrels right up
the tree, even though they are on the other side of the fence!
I still like to feed the
birds and squirrels. The feeders are right outside the kitchen window. We have
a wide variety of birds and critters that like to come and eat. This spring I
have been watching one momma squirrel in particular. She has a routine about
her feeding schedule, almost as if she can tell time.
Last week I watched as she
came down the maple tree. The tree is magnificent in size, offering shade for
much of the house. The bark is old and worn, just like the side of a weathered
barn. The branches are heavy with green leaves and whirlybird seeds. As she
approached the bottom of the tree, she stopped and checked for Lola. When she
realized the coast was clear, she touched the earth. There she sat and ate her
dinner. And then I noticed a baby squirrel coming down the tree. Oh, this put
such a smile on my face. There was the momma and her baby eating. The baby
still wanted to nurse, so the momma squirrel would be patient for one or two
sips before she would move to gather her next nut. I know it is so silly, but
this simple act of a mother’s love for her baby put tears in my eyes and a
smile on my face.
The next day two more baby
squirrels were feeding under the tree. Now, there are three baby squirrels that
eat under the tree. I have been placing extra food out for the baby squirrels.
You see, I have been placing
extra food because the momma squirrel is no longer coming down the tree. She
has stopped coming…
The momma squirrel was
killed when attempting to cross the road. I scooped up the squirrel so no other
cars would run over her and properly disposed of her body.
Poor babies, poor momma
squirrel.
I wonder if those baby
squirrels are missing their momma. For some odd reason this has made me miss
Shane even more. I did not know that was possible, but it has.
As I continue to “put one
foot in front of the next.”
Peace-
Always and forever,
Shane’s Mammy and Beth’s
Momma
