Unconditional Care
During the night on Thursday, my son Luca and I awoke to the cries of a creature which was outside our driveway, being attacked by foxes…we went out to find a severely injured Muntjac deer, with a horrendously broken leg, and multiple wounds. In the dark, at first we thought that it was a baby deer and it was clear to us that we had to help it, however it still struggled and tried to kick when we attempted to pick it up. Somehow, over the course of several hours, approaching it gently, then sitting with it, and slowly layering it with blankets and towels, to keep it warm and to calm it down, Luca and I carried it into the garage, and made as comfortable as we could. When I say, ‘we carried it into the garage’, this was not at all an easy task and I have to mention that without Luca’s great strength and aptitude which was invaluable in this situation, I probably would have ended up lying on the driveway with it until the morning!
Early in the morning we started called rescue agencies, and within a couple of hours, the RSPCA sent a young inspector to help. Unfortunately she took one look at the poor creature, with its leg doubled over from the break, and its severe wounds, and explained that there was no other option than to put it to sleep. It must have been hit by a car, and then the foxes closed in on an easy prey, herding it over to near our home. She kindly and expertly ended its suffering, as we held space for its passing from this life.
Afterwards I couldn’t help but wonder…why was it that this creature ended up outside our house, no other neighbours went out to help or to check what was happening, and with all the time and effort spent trying to help it, and to relieve it in any way we could from its pain, it still was not destined to survive...? Having rescued many birds and animals over the years, I know well that many succumb to their injuries, or shock,, yet that never stops my sense that I must try to help. In those moments of crisis, there is no stopping to consider ‘what’s in it for me’, there is just the instinct to do what we can, whether or not there is a happy ending.
When helping a creature, or indeed, a person in need, I believe there is an energetic exchange which takes place, a interconnection of souls, which when noticed, offer precious glimpses of pure love and divine providence…the unconditionality of God’s love, made visible. I can recall time spent one on one with birds, some of the most innocent and grace-filled of God’s creatures, as I coax them to eat, or to just quietly sit with them to observe in awe. These are some of the most heart-felt moments of this lifetime…in those times, I feel most connected to the Divine.
The hours with the deer were the same, looking deep into its eyes, witnessing the quiet grace in its experience of suffering, fully present, with no expectation. A heartbreakingly beautiful and unexpected reflection of two souls, bestowing a divine blessing on one other, and a raw reminder that life is more than the day to day plans and ‘doings’ that we can get so caught up in. I do believe that there are no coincidences, and for perhaps some esoteric reason which I may never fully understand, this experience will be woven into my own tapestry of this life, and for this I am grateful.
And so, as we go through our lives, perhaps we can be more open to be available, to be aware, and to step forward on our paths in service and love, without considering what the outcome may be, and how we might benefit…because there are unexpected blessings and connections which may be not be made clear until we are wholeheartedly unconditional in our care.
Blessings to you all,
Daniella x
