Living in Watership Down

At any given moment we can look out a window in Hannah’s cottage and see a bunny rabbit munching on white clover blossoms or a leaf of grass. Last night we counted six bunnies of various sizes and ages. They pop out of the blackberry brambles or sit beside the Buddha statue under the stately fir tree. Returning from an evening walk, Bob stopped to talk to a neighbor and the conversation turned to the abundance of wild rabbits. “It’s like living in Watership Down,” the neighbor remarked. It’s wonderful to see this acceptance of the wild creatures in a suburban setting… not only acceptance, but actually creating a natural habitat for them like Hannah has. Misty the cat spends his day moving from one windowsill to another to keep track of the bunnies, squirrels, birds, and an occasional deer. It is not the northern wilderness setting that we have enjoyed for the past two years. There are no black bears, or wolves, or mountain lion. But it is a way to remain connected to that other world… to “all our relations,” as the indigenous people say.

And for those who wonder how I am doing, I can honestly say that I feel better now than I have for months. Breathing has improved greatly and my energy level increased. I am scheduled for another round of chemotherapy on July 28th. Many thanks to all who have been sending prayers and good, healing thoughts. I don’t know what the outcome will be, but I am grateful for the full and enriching days that I am enjoying now.

... PLM