Old Letters and Bunny Rabbits

You might rightly be wondering just what in the world old letters and bunny rabbits have in common and I am here to tell you...absolutely nothing!  Nothing that is unless you were at the Little Bayou House today.  It rained again today..or better said..it poured again here today.  So much so that each time I tried to make my way to the pier, I was soaked!  Nevertheless, I did head outside to the gardens.  It was too soggy to do more than wade through the wet grass but an old friend came out to meet me.  Mama Rabbit wandered over to where I was standing and curiously eyed me.  I am surprised that she was not scared out of her wits by my constant slapping of the mosquitoes that decided to dine upon my blood but she edged ever closer.  Once she was within arm's  reach, I so wanted to reach down and pet her but instinct told me that might frighten her away forever so I restrained my impulse and just watched her.  From the mere three feet distance, I could see even the smallest of whiskers on her face. I watched as she wiggle her nose at me..trying to catch my scent.  She has a small nick in the tip of her left ear and a scar that runs just below her right eye.  Not once did she show fear of my presence. This all started me reminiscing of days long gone.

Earlier today, during one of the more fierce thunderstorms, I went through a box of old papers of my mother's. In it were several letters that she had written to her sister, my Aunt Helen.  I am one of the folks that finds it hard to part with some things and these letters were not destined to the trash bin.  After unfolding one letter, I read one paragraph about me as a youngster.  Mom was relating to Aunt Helen about a time where a mother rabbit brought her babies out for me to hold.  I must have been rather young but I do remember the incident well.  The rabbit evidently knew that I meant no harm and probably considered me the perfect babysitter.  She would have a bit of rest from that rambunctious brood!  Mom went on to tell how I held other critters as well.  Squirrels, snakes, birds and even fox kits.

While I stood in the wet grass talking to Mama Rabbit, the contents of that letter were being replayed in my head.  Animals are supposed to have an natural fear of humans.  Why not of me?  Is there some innate sixth sense that lets critters know that I do not wish to harm them?  Have they just grown so accustom to my presence that they have lost all fear?  I am not sure but I am a bit inwardly pleased that my furry and feathered friends do feel the connection.

So you see, old letters and bunny rabbits do have something in common even if only here on the Bayou.  Mom, Aunt Helen, rainy days, bunny rabbits, old letters and friendships all have something in common..even if it is only me.