Writing every day for the last two weeks has been therapeutic for my heart, and I am deeply enjoying the act of strengthening my gratitude muscle by ingraining the act of looking for good into my daily practice of life. What have you picked up that you set down in the setting of this pandemic? My hope is that some of you have been inspired to meditate or run or photograph or design or organize or paint, once again, remembering the importance of filling your cup and delivering joy to your own soul once again. It’s important, especially in this ever-changing landscape, for us to take time to pour into our own selves, in whatever way that looks like. Maybe it’s finding time to workout. Call a friend. Take a dance break. Color. Sing a song. And find your one single moment that you’re thankful for, each and every day that passes. Not every day is a good day, but I would wager a guess that every day has at least one moment that is good.
My moment today is one of appreciation for these two little bunnies we purchased during this COVID experience. The kids were desperate to get a pet and watched as more and more friends came home with new pandemic puppies. We didn’t think we could handle another pup…but bunnies? Small, quiet, able to be left over a weekend… cuddly, cute, clean…. okay, okay. Maybe we could handle that!
So just before the end of school in June, we took a road trip two hours north of us and came home with two adorable little Holland Lops, one gray with blue eyes and the other a brown eyed tiger-ish orangey/brown/black striped little guy. Brothers. Benny and Ollie. They were 8 weeks old when we got them. They were so teeny tiny and, as prey animals, they were very nervous and it took them time to build trust in us. We would feed them and sit quietly, letting them come to us. We would try to pet them or hold them, and they would allow us, for a second, but then would scurry away. Benny got an ear infection and suffered dehydration and the beginning stages of GI stasis (the number one killer of rabbits). Many weeks of ear antibiotic ointment and making critical care porridges, and he is thankfully healthy once again.
Now, it’s been almost 3 months and they are so much more comfortable, both with us, and also being in this home. They now come up to us and enjoy being pet. They make us laugh as they do binkies and zoomies around the living room (things I never even knew existed). Watching them run and jump and click their tiny heels around the room is ridiculously cute and is as silly as it sounds. On crummy days, the kids come right to them to watch them nibble their hay and wash their little faces and ears with their front paws, and stand on their hind legs, their sweet faces looking at you so innocently. We have enjoyed so much learning their unique personalities, what they like or dislike, or making wagers as to which one is up to no good.
I’ve been totally amazed by our 12 year old who has really stepped up as the bunny mommy. The younger ones have fallen right into line and (usually) accept their daily task from our master delegator.
Their super soft fur and perfectly peach-fuzzy noses have soothed our souls and we are all grateful for their tiny bunny sweetness.
Care to share your thoughts?