Several years ago I bought a bear dressed up a monk. He’s pretty big and heavy for one person to move around. I managed to get him into my car with the help of a brawny teenager, but when I got home it was a different scene. No healthy muscle man was available to help me!
Now picture this, if you will? It is pouring rain outside and I had to tip him sideways to get him out of the car. I got him onto a cart with wheels, but dragging him across the lawn a good 50 feet was a project. The wheels were sinking into the ground. I was determined to get him into the center of a large circle. It is raised about 15 inches and now both of us were muddy and wet. I ended up putting a concrete platform under him so he wouldn’t sink too far.
This garden is a sort of burial grounds for all our pets from the past 40+ years in this home. The bear is a reminder of St. Francis of Assisi with the birds on his shoulder. I thought it was a fitting place for “Oso”. I was just beginning to learn Spanish. Can you tell?
This move to our garden was just one little challenge and not a big deal in comparison to the things life throws our way. There are important things like job losses that cause family stress. There are diseases that are not controllable. Financial disasters or natural catastrophes upset whole communities. Wars leave people with post traumatic issues. The reality is that there are consequences people deal with after these incidents. None of which are easy or pleasant.
This bear; however, was meant to bring some levity into our yard. He has been there for several years now and has been a great conversation starter. Last year we had baby bunnies hiding behind him in a grassy area. Our dog doesn’t go in there, so they were pretty save and hidden. I bought him on a whim and I think of the condition I was in afterwards; namely, wet and muddy.
The reality of things can be gripping. Muddy is fine, unlike fears that pop up out of nowhere. One suddenly feels isolated and doesn’t know where to turn when things change quickly. This is when knowledgeable people become essential. And people who can bring humor to us. Remember the class clown who was always in trouble, but made the day fun? Do you recall a joke from the Late Night Show or some situation comedy that has lightened your load? I think of Lucille Ball when she was with Ethel and they were packing candy; packing in their mouths, because they couldn’t work fast enough! Silly, indeed, but a smile came to my face thinking about it.
Take time to smell the roses; time to laugh and play. Join people who are lighthearted. Listen to music and comedies on television. Shut off the news and the heaviness of the world. Work a cross word puzzle or join the “coloring craze” that has taken over adolescents and adults. Coloring is no longer just for children.
Enjoy your week. Let the fresh air inside and take a walk. Surrender to a higher power and relax. Go for a walk with your dog or visit a pet shop for free entertainment. Let peace be your friend!