The Boy and the Duck

“You have been my friend. That in itself is a tremendous thing. I wove my webs for you because I liked you. After all, what’s a life, anyway? We are born, we live a little, we die. A spider’s life can’t help being something of a mess, with all this trapping and eating flies. By helping you, perhaps I was trying to lift up my life a trifle. Heaven knows anyone’s life can stand a little of that.” ~ E. B. White

My son Michael loves fishing. That boy could sit on the bank of a pond the whole day, thoughts wandering to distant worlds as he waits for fish to bite. During his outings to the pond, a tiny body of water in the middle of a neighborhood like many others, surrounded by pretty homes and a newly installed wooden gazebo, Michael has made an unusual friend – Alfred the duck. Several weeks ago, Alfred had a friend, another duck which, like him, seemed to have missed the bus going south. Both ducks stayed around the pond, using the spillway for shelter, but lately Alfred’s friend has been missing, and nobody seems to know what happened to it.

Over time, Alfred has warmed up to Michael. At first, a little apprehensive about the intentions of this young boy trespassing on his territory, he hissed and ran off, waddling the way ducks do; but, once he realized that Michael meant no harm - and was in fact bringing an offering of peace in the shape of bread – he gradually came a little closer each day.

Yesterday, Michael asked to go fishing at about five o’clock, and since his brother didn’t want to go with him, I grabbed a book and we drove down to the pond. On our way out we made sure to bring some bread for Alfred. I pulled my car by the edge of the pond behind the spillway, and made myself comfortable in the seat while Michael got out of the car, fishing rod over his shoulder and bread in his hand. He stopped by the entrance of the spillway and called Alfred; after a moment the little bundle of white feathers emerged and followed Michael to his chosen spot on the other side of the pond.

My original intention was to read while I waited, but what was unfolding outside the car was so endearing that I put the book down and just watched.

Michael got his fishing rod ready and prepared to cast, while Alfred supervised by the edge of the pond; when Michael sat down, the duck went to settle beside him. I saw Michael feed him a few pieces of bread, which he gobbled eagerly but not aggressively; even after the bread was gone, Alfred continued to sit by him. When Michael caught a small fish and stood up to reel it in, the duck walked over and stood beside him. After about an hour, Michael was done fishing for the day. He walked back toward the car, and Alfred waddled back with him, side by side. When they reached the entrance of the spillway, Alfred went in and Michael continued to walk after telling his little friend goodbye for the evening.

I never got to read a single page of my book in that hour, but what I saw warmed my heart – friends comes in many packages, sometimes even in the likes of a lonely white duck named Alfred.

An Unexpected Reminder

“The mere fact that you have obstacles to overcome is in your favor…” ~ Robert Collier


Yesterday, while on my way to pick up my son from a sleepover, I got a flat tire shortly after leaving my house. I pulled over into a side street, called my husband to inform him of where the car was located and walked home.

It was a nice walk – the trees lining the street were raining hues of orange and gold, and the breeze was cool enough to remind one of the changes ahead. As I was admiring the small bunches of leaves neatly bunched by the base of the trees, something caught my eye…in the midst of the soft leafy bed was a five dollar bill!

I picked it up and gingerly walked the rest of the way. When I got back, I called my son’s friend’s parents to let them know I would be a bit late picking him up. They said that it was no problem; in fact, they offered to give him a ride so I would not have to rush my husband getting the tire fixed.

While I was talking to them, my oldest son made some coffee, and we both sat at the kitchen table chatting for a bit. It was a lovely time. We talked about lots of different things, and I thoroughly enjoyed those moments with him. Toward the end of our coffee chat, the phone rang and I was overjoyed to hear the voice of a friend I hadn’t talked to in years.

Shortly after, my youngest son was dropped off, and my husband arrived to fix the tire. Suddenly I realized something…if my tire hadn’t gone flat, I would have missed out on a lot of good things. Somehow, this obstacle allowed me to slow down and smell the proverbial roses.

It’s hard to properly assess an obstacle in the heat of its manifestation, as our attention is absorbed by the difficulties of the moment, but if one is able to detach from the emotional charge which is brewed during a trying experience, good things began to emerge, and when all is said and done, we realize that we have gained more than we have lost.

Obstacles slow us down and give us the chance to notice the blessings we would otherwise bypass.

Blog for Hope: Two Kitties Looking for a Home, and a Home Looking for a Tenant

Happy chilly Saturday morning!

The cooler breeze reminds us once again that winter is at the door. While this cold, harsh season provides the earth with an opportunity to rest and regenerate, its dipping temperatures and shorter days accentuate the hardship of struggling families even more.

Blog for Hope is here to reach out to families and individuals who need a little lift. If you are willing to share a bit of your time, skills, or financial help, please post to the main page of the group, http://www.wral.com/golo/profile/4320847/ or e-mail me directly at lunanera@netzero.net

If you are in need, or know someone who is, you are encouraged to do the same.

Today's highlights:

One of our beloved Golo members is going through a terrible time right now. Although he is trying every possible evenue to save what he has, he is well aware that he will be losing his home to foreclosure if he can't find a tenant soon. The home is a ranch in Cary NC; if you are interested, or know anyone who might, please leave a note on Nicsautomotive's profile or contact me directly.

Because of the uncertainty with his financial future, Nic is also looking for a good home for two of his fur babies, Crystal and bemis. We've all had the opportunity to read the adventures of little Bemis as he made his way into Nic's world and heart one rainy night. Since this little guy had a rough start, Nic doesn't want to expose him to an uncertain future, and he would be happy if little Bemis could find a happy home, where he is loved and cherished. Crystal has been Nic's companion for a while now, but like Bemis, she is often forced to a lonely life without much human companionship while Nic is out working, trying to keep the ship afloat. The perfect scenario would be one in which Bemis and Crystal are adopted together, since they have developed a tight bond.

Please, if you can help with either of these causes, leave me a note ASAP. Nic is trying is hardest, and he deserves a little support. Blog for Hope is a venture aimed at raising hopes for those who feel they have none left. So, join me here, and let's all unite to shine a ray of hope in Nic's direction. If you belong to any other social networks, please feel free to copy and paste this information. Word of mouth can be a very powerful tool to help someone in need.

Have an awesome day, everybody!!!