When I posted this photo (above) on Facebook in early July, I received many a dire warning about the potential damage the family of ground squirrels could do to my yard. But, I couldn’t help but delight in watching them grow. I’d also come to learn they are called thirteen-liners. I’m pretty sure by looking at them you can guess why.
Their tiny heads with flat ears and beady black eyes poking up from the holes on either side of our cement front stoop brought a smile to my face the many times I enjoyed lunch outside.
It wasn’t long before they felt comfortable with me. I enjoyed watching as they foraged out in the big world of the front yard while mama was no where to be seen and this had me silently cheering on their ability to make their own way.
Then one day I chuckled as three of them took turns rolling in the grass and then chasing after each other in circles. It reminded me of the antics of Larry, Curly and Mo of the Three Stooges.
Another day I spied from the corner of my eye as mama came near and three of the little ones ran to meet her and as if all at the same time saying to her, “Mama! Mama! Wait until you hear about all the grand adventures we had today!”
To then the mama making her way down into the hole with the curious little ones looking on wondering if they should follow or not. But alas, they stayed behind. I saw this as them honoring that mama most likely needed some time just to herself for a while. And a reflection I took for my own well being too.
Every day I’d anticipate seeing what they were up to.
They were my sweet little teachers reminding me to take time to just be, to take delight in the smallest and simplest of things, and most importantly, to remember to nurture myself when need be.
Then one early evening I spotted Stevie, the neighbors cat. Sitting on our stoop. Head bent down. Staring intently at the entrance of where the ground squirrels come and go.
My heart sunk.
I opened the front door slowly. “Stevie, what are you doing?” I said. As if I didn’t know.
This is the picture I snapped of her after I asked the question.
She was looking at me as if saying, “You talking to me?”
Indeed, I was. But it would be of no use. I had to accept this lesson – and one I’ve had numerous times before – and the one I can still find challenging.
While I’d gained so much sustenance from those adorable ground squirrels in various ways over many weeks in July, the truth is I had to accept that they are also nourishment for other creatures we share the planet with. I’d learn that ninety percent of ground squirrels don’t make it to adulthood and thus part of their purpose to help sustain the life of others.
What started out as seven young ones, was then just three, and of late I’ve had no sightings of them. Though my hope is the three have made their way out into the world and are on more grand adventures.
While some may say that their name associated with the number of thirteen is bad luck, there is also another aspect of thirteen. It is that of the Divine Feminine representing the natural rhythms and cycles and remembering to come back into sacred balance.
We are here but just a short blip of time here on this planet. I take note of the fact the photo at the top with the ground squirrels in front of the welcome stone is to welcome all aspects of this one precious life we have.
While I honored the sadness I was feeling that I no longer am seeing the sweet young squirrels, my heart is also still relishing in the joy I experienced with them on so many occasions.
And this…this is the sacred balance of life.
XO
Barb
