There is a sadness in the land . . .

Life is fragile! Spring brings many challenges to life on the riverbank. Our days and nights are filled with terror--roaming predators and sounds of cries. I have been up and down the riverbank checking on homes . . . friends, neighbors, and even our enemies.

     Last Thursday at first light the quiet was shattered by a small cry from the road. Minnie Possum, my friend was trying to cross the road after an early morning visit to the corn pile. She was hurrying and NOT looking. A terrible ugly car came whizzing by hitting her--I hurried to her side feeling helpless. She had blood on her face and one eye was hanging out but she was ALIVE! I gave a flock call which brought her friends to help but how helpless we were! I flew to the front door of the mill and called for the Man With the Long Blue Apron to come out! He was beside himself with despair! I suggested we call 911 and Cornell University!!!---aren't they supposed to help us!? Poor, poor Minnie. The sheriff came with flashing lights and promptly said he could SHOOT her! I ran circles flapping my wings . . . no, no, no, PLEASE SAVE HER!!! The Man With The Long Blue Apron wrapped her in a blanket and lifted her into his car and drove with the sheriff's escort to an animal doctor.

   We waited and waited--the doctor said there was no hope for her--her jaw was shattered and her eye gone but deep inside her pouch were ten babies all snuggled together nursing--safe. Minnie tried so hard to live. A wildlife rehabilitator was called to care for the babies . . . poor Minnie was dying! Oh it was so terrible, the despair so great. The lady took the ten babies to her hospital/ rehab center in Fair Haven where they would by nursed and given a chance to live in the wild, free. But I will never see Minnie again. She is gone--no more sharing our breakfast corn. Minnie was always so lovely, cheerful and motherly, always wiped our tears and gave us a hug. I hope she knows from the other side of the rainbow that her babies were saved and they will have a happy safe life. I hope she has lots of corn and arms that hold her and gentle peace.

   So . . . life is fragile for us along the riverbank and roads, please stop and help us when you see we are hurt and in trouble. But---take us to an animal doctor, they know best what we need and how to feed us. Pause and remember Minnie.

   Until next time . . .