For a short time, I wrote a column called PAWS AND CLAWS. I told animal stories based on interviews with pet owners and my own experiences. This was a favorite one of mine.
Keep in mind the word, caring, as you read this story. Yesterday, while I was in our back yard, I observed an egret on the shore of the lake. Right away, I knew something was wrong. Further observation told me that the white egret had a limp as he dragged his long left leg with each step. This concerned me and made me sad.
As I looked further, there swimming next to the walking bird was a black duck. His stroke synchronized with the egret’s limping steps. They proceeded around the circumference of the water in company of each other.
Watching this reminded me of another story in Africa. On our last day on safari, we were safely tucked into an observation tower. We were observing the river and riverbeds of a large park. A mother hippopotamus and her baby were resting on the shore. Her head was on the land and her body submerged in the shallow water. Her baby snuggled next to her swollen body. She did not move.
The rest of the pod of hippos swam quietly nearby. At one time, the baby left his mother’s side and attempted to join the others. However, he quickly returned to her.
As we continued watching, a large gray adult bull elephant approached the quiet pair. He hesitated, alert, and stopped in his place on the shore. Bending down, he filled his trunk with cool river water and carefully sprayed the little family. Not a movement from the mother, but the baby wiggled in delight. Getting this response, the elephant continued to amble along the riverbank and crossed to the other side not looking back.
Many times, we have talked about this event still wondering what happened to the mother and baby. However, the memorable part of this story was what appeared to be a caring, nurturing gesture from elephant to hippo, two giants in the animal kingdom.
Thank you to all my followers and greetings to my new ones. Many of you were introduced to my work after reading my first book, FROM WE TO ME…letters to my friend. This was published in the fall of 2013 and has enjoyed some success. Many of those who have read the book have written encouraging comments, saying it was helpful to those who are experiencing grief.
