Sometimes reconnecting with nature isn’t a gentle
paddle down the river.
Narrow creeks with tunnels
of mangrove swamps that
have spiders, snakes and very
protective mother gators.
My mantra became;
“Put your big girl pants on
and deal with the situation.
Try to see the beauty
of the river.
Most importantly, don’t fall
in the river!”
Light streaming in through
the branches that were covered
with bromeliads momentarily allowed
me to focus on the beauty of the river.
Until I started to think about
spiders, snakes and alligators.
My mantra was working overtime
and being overshadowed with
“how much longer on the river!
I thank all of my patients for
their courage, you were
my inspirations as the
river became so narrow that
I put my paddle away to
grab the branches, pulled myself
through tiny channels back to
safety as I kept a
watchful eye for spiders and snakes
and mother gators protecting
their babies.
One very protective mother will
always remind me of how loud my husband
can yell, “honey take a picture of the babies
on her back!”
Her response was to open her mouth
to its fullest extent, as if to say,
“Please leave now, you are upsetting
my babies on my back!”
Back on dry land, safe and ready for
another day, the sunset was
my reward!
