Every once in a great while, I am in the right place at exactly the right time. It is almost as if I was destined in life to rescue those in need. I happily oblige as I would hope that, if ever the need arises, I will be rescued myself. Helping out is something I was taught. It mattered not if it was a person or critter....if in need, you helped. I still do as I hold strong to the values instilled in me so long ago. It seems as if some of those values have been tossed to the wayside with the current situations going on in this old world so it be best to, at least, do my part.
Early this afternoon, Son was toting the old dog down the hillside for me as I wandered about a bit. The dog's care is a full time job now so any opportunity to get a breath of fresh air is very welcomed. It was during my wandering that I came across my critter in need. A tiny Little Brown Skink had just hatched and was still shiny wet and moving slow. It needed the warm sunshine to help it gain strength so it could find its first meal. As I was admiring the iridescence of its freshly hatched skin, a slight movement made me realize the baby was in extreme danger! Oh, my! Ms. Nycto (the wannabe mighty hunter Bayou Princess) had spied the baby and was quite interested. The cat was in "hunt" mode with tail a-swishing! Nope! Not happening while I am around! I shooed the cat who was none too pleased. She skulked behind the azalea bush hoping I would leave. Well, I could not just abandon that sweet little one so I gently put my hand next to it fully expecting it to scurry beneath the leaves. Instead, the tiny lizard climbed up on my hand! Alrighty, then!
For the next half hour, the newborn skink basked in the warmth of my hand and the sunshine without a care in the world! It was safe from Ms. Nycto and any other predator. After it started moving a bit better, I gently held it next to a potted plant just inches away from where I first found it. The tiny lizard gratefully, inched its way off my hand and into its new abode! Happy hunting, Little One! Happy life!
We usually tend to think friends are those folks who visit often. Those folks who can drop in unannounced, linger over a cup of coffee and chat as if time is not of essence. Sometimes, however, friends can be not often seen. Years can pass before a unplanned event throws folks together. Friends can pick up where they left off so long ago as if time and distance make no matter. Then, there are friends of a different ilk. Those are the ones that are seldom seen but make a huge impact on one's life. It often make me wonder if those are the truest folks. They go about life without ever expecting anything in return for the kindness they give.
With all of this talk of friendship, you knew this writing was going to eventually turn to critters. It all goes back to the idea that I have far more critter friends than people friends which suits me fine. Critter friends do not dwell in drama. Today's critter friend is one of those "rarely seen" ilk. One may catch a fleeting glimpse of something scurrying beneath the leaves or in between grass blades but getting a long visit is often unheard of. This morning, I had a quite lengthy visit with a Little Brown Skink. I was honored that the critter trusted me enough to lounge near where I was sitting. It made no effort to hide nor run away even though we were inches apart. We just sat and enjoyed each other's company.
What makes this a true friend is that the skink is always lending a helping hand. This little one scurries about the leaf litter in search of small insects. It pokes its nose under leaves or mulch seeking things such as fleas, spiders, roaches, ants and termites....all which are considered to be pests by most folks. This applies to me, as well, except for the spiders. In my mind, spiders are good. That said, this little friend is a friend indeed albeit one that goes unseen by most folks. The Little Brown Skink...a hard-working friend that lends a helping hand even to those who do not appreciate it.
