My Personal Zoo....and a Letter for a Dear Friend

My raccoon friend still comes to visit every night.  He loves sunflower seeds, craisins, Kashi Dark Chocolate Oatmeal cookies, cashews, prunes, and almonds.  He doesn't care for sidewalk chalk; but he'll try it.  Last night he ran out of food, so he came over to me again and reached across the bench to get my attention.  He shoved my pack of cigarettes towards me.  I asked him what he wanted.  He shoved my cigarettes again.  So, I finally got up and went in the house to get him more food.  When I came out with banana oat cereal and prunes he didn't seem too happy as he dug through the bowl, tossing the prunes and cereal in search for sunflower seeds.  I finally conceded that I have spoiled this raccoon, and I got up and went inside to get the last of my trail mix, chock full of sunflower seeds; his favorite.
I've finally figured out why the squirrel in my tree goes crazy whenever the raccoon, a cat, or a dog comes around.  She has babies!  2 little baby squirrels crawled out of the V in the tree last night.  Cutest little guys ever; probably small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.  They're still incredibly cautious, as they run back to safety whenever they see the slightest movement.

My neighbor's daughter came over last night just after dark.  I was sitting on my porch, waiting for the zoo to come alive around me.  I quickly made room for her on my patio furniture when I realized she had tears in her eyes.  We spoke of life and all the pressure it sometimes places on our shoulders.  We spoke of the realities of these pressures, the human desire to escape them, and our ability to shift our perspective and see them from a new, lighter angle.  We laughed, we shared, tears were shed, and I gave her 2 big hugs before she left to get ready for bed.  Girl, if you are reading this; this one's for you....

For starters, here's a song for you....

Dear Friend,

Growing up is so damn hard.  I wish I could tell you life was easy.  I wish I could tell you your heart will never be broken.  I wish I could tell you that people will always be kind.  I would be a liar if I said these things to you though, because your world will be full pain as well as pleasure.  Every mother's wish is to protect her children from the painful things in life.  Alas, we also know so many pains are inescapable.  So we stand back, hands tied, tears in our eyes, and shackles on our hearts.  We watch as you fall, and trust that you will stand on two feet again.  It's a painful process; for all involved.
Sometimes you will feel alone.  Sometimes you will feel like the world stands against you.  In these times I encourage you to look up and look within.  There will be times when the only voice of encouragement we hear is our own; and sometimes the voice we hear isn't very encouraging at all.
If you listen closely though, you will hear the Truth in your heart.  It's a gentle whisper that often feels impossible to hear through the roar of the pain.  When you hear this voice, lay your troubles down.  Like a player in a game of poker, spread your cards on the table and reveal what you've got; whether it's a winning hand or not.  Lay them down without shame.  Lay them down knowing you gave it your best shot, and remembering that you won't always be the last one out.
I look at you and I see beauty; inside and out.  I see compassion, drive, and character.  Although I love to see you smile, last night it felt good to see you cry.  We all need a little release from time to time.  There's no shame in asking for a hand to hold.  There is no let-down in Truth.  Mother Teresa said, "I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love."  Real Truth is love.  Real Truth leaves us vulnerable, and that can be a scary place to be.
Flip the coin, if you will.  Look at the other side.  There you will see all that you have to gain.  The reward is worth the risk, and although you may struggle to see that now, you will soon find yourself on the other side of the unknown.  In retrospect, you will smile when you feel the wisdom you have gained from your experience.  You will feel it well up within your heart like a strength that is not your own; because it's not.  Because you were never really alone....

Love,
Betty