The larger raccoon was clearly the mother, and she was attempting to guide the baby raccoon across the street through follow the leader. But no matter what guidance she offered, this little baby darted a different way and got distracted. Instead of simply crossing the road, these two spent time running in circles. The mom was clearly trying to guide her baby to safety and simple direction. The baby was clearly embracing the curiosity and wonder of the moment. Upon reaching the middle of the road, the mom raccoon tried to correct the baby raccoon (in my mind she was probably lecturing on the dangers of roads and giant cars), and then swept this baby up by the back of its neck and carried it across as quickly as she could go to the other side of the road.
I was elated to witness this tiny moment in nature.
And can relate on so many levels.
Like the bazillion times I've been in a parking lot - simply focusing on safety while a little one, filled with wonder and curiosity - endlessly tries to run and discover while I'm simply trying to keep them alive! Corralling is a serious sport!
But today, I reflected on this beautiful experience in a different light. It made me think of each of us as that baby raccoon. Our intentions are good - but sometimes we get a bit distracted, or consumed by something other than what is needed most. We might be unable to accomplish the task all alone. We need the help of a "mother" to guide us, continually be with and love us, and "lift" us where we stand to help us on our individual journeys. Beautiful wisdom in so many ways.
And of course, I didn't document any of the real experience on camera. It was too fun to just enjoy with Abigail. But, later that day, I took a photo of the road to help me remember.
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