Sunday, May 8, 2011

Mother's Day

Shortly after letting my dog outside this morning, he began barking feverishly. I went outside to catch a glimpse of what I thought was an armadillo. Keep in mind, I live within the city limits and I had spotted a dead armadillo a few weeks ago in the road and thought this must be a relative. The dog calmed down and I went back into the house. Within 5 minutes, he was barking louder than before. When I went outside, I saw something I had never seen before. Walking along the top of our fence was a rather large possum. I ran into the house to retrieve my camera and my oldest daughter. As I watch it walk along the fence, I thought it looked a little mangy. When I got closer, I got a huge surprise.

This was no ordinary possum, perhaps the kind you’ve seen hissing at you from a tree in your yard or the less fortunate type that didn’t quite make it across the street. She had six babies hanging from her back. She stopped to look at me as I got close enough to make a short video. She walked to the edge of the fence and disappeared as the squirrels above chattered. I realized I have a lot in common with this momma possum.
I too feel like I’m always taking my kids somewhere, though I chauffeur them in a mini-van rather than on my back. While not one of the prouder moments of my life, I have paused long enough to give people nasty looks when I thought they would harm my children. Most importantly, as long as there is breath in my body, I would walk the highest height and wrap my arms around my girls to protect them.

I hope you had the best Mother’s Day possible. I hope the people you adore most surrounded you and brought you joy this weekend.