Saturday, March 8, 2008

Lions and tigers and bears, Oh My!!!


...but don't forget orangutans too! Today was Elle's first trip to the zoo! Yes, Minnesotan's do go to the zoo in the winter (it's a nice escape). We went to the free Como Zoo (did I mention free?) and Conservatory with Bernhard's mom, Grandma Jo. It was just a magical moment watching Elle discover and star starry eyed at the monkeys, and the giraffes, the zebra, and the fish!! But, the most amazing moment for me didn't directly have to do with Elle. It had to do with the mommy orangutan and her baby, Jaya. I looked down into the bottom of the exhibit, and there she was holding her baby close to herself. It almost looked like she was nursing, and then I saw her baby reach for her hair and pull it, hit her mama's head, and then cuddle up to her. Instantly, the tears flowed as I saw Elle in my mind (she was with Dad looking at the ape) reaching up and pulling what little hair I have out of my head (I'm afraid that I don't have nearly as much hair as the mama orangutan). I stood there as everyone else looked on at the same scene and I couldn't help but feel that every mom there was having the same feeling. I was truly moved by God's amazing creation. Sometimes I am still overwhelmed that I am a mom. I have joined a lifetime "club" of moms, both human and of the animal world. One that I couldn't really comprehend until I held my little Eleanor Joy in my arms. And one that I am still growing to feel like a full fledged member of.

God created us all to love our children and to fiercely care for and protect those He has allowed us to raise. God loves my little Elle so much, that He gave her to me to raise...and He gave the cute little Jaya to the mama orangutan to love, care for and to protect. God bless mamas.

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