Ann G Rusky
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A moment to honor a life

10/15/2014

5 Comments

 
Picture
An incident happened that is upsetting to me, that I am still processing. I certainly don't need to illustrate it, but I challenge myself to draw what is on my mind.

When I think of it, I am still moved to tears for a little deer that was hit by a car and in front of the office where I work. Fortunately, I didn't see it happen. We estimate that It must have occurred within the hour before I arrived on Monday. 

It was the deer that I first saw as a spotted fawn hobbling through the tall grass this Spring. I was so excited to see it. It was like witnessing a Unicorn or some creature from a fable. Every day at work to give my eyes a break from the computer screen, I'd look across the street at the vacant lot that is covered with grass and trees looking for that little deer. There were two of them, actually, that lived in that area. It was a treat to spot them nibbling on leaves and playing among the tall weeds.

I didn't see them very often - only a handful of times. But each time I could see them getting bigger and quicker. They usually appeared on a misty, rainy sort of day. They brought me such joy to spot them moseying along in their habitat.

Monday, when I drove into the driveway at work, on a similar rainy, gray day, I couldn't miss the large reddish belly lying in the grass next to the road. Its head was lying gently on the curb, as if it was taking a nap. I felt crushed with sadness. I told the guys at work hoping for them to share in my grief, but just laughed it off, saying it's a fact of life.

I didn't want to share this news to sadden YOUR day. But I felt like I had to share the grief for the little creature - God's little creature - whom I appreciated. A loss of life - any loss - is sad. I guess that is what makes life so valuable and cherished. 

So to make myself feel better I say a little prayer, or poem, that I wrote. It helps me acknowledge the life and bless it in some small way. I'll pray it for all the little creatures that leave us.  Here's to you, little deer. You were appreciated and are missed.

Go In Peace 

Thanks for the life 
that roamed the Earth and sky.
Tears for the loss,
and to say good-bye

Prayers for the soul
that breathed under the sun,
Send it off with love
Go in peace, dear one!

(or should I say deer one in this case)


PS. After the fact when I went to work the next day, I found out that after I left work, the other deer got killed by a car, on our side of the road. It is so sad. The animals take the brunt of our industrial expansion. They have no where to wander and live their lives.

5 Comments
Kim
10/15/2014 05:25:50 am

Aww, I'm always so grateful when there is another person expressing love for nature and the wild. Well written and illustrated and I share the sadness that this deer is gone too soon.

“You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing for him.”
― Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

I understand the circle of life in the wild. I also understand that when the hand of man, (loss of habitat, etc), is involved some way it does make it a bit harder to accept. I'm glad you had the days sharing in this little life and appreciating from a distance. Thanks for being one of those who can see the beauty and feel the loss. I call that a universal connection.

Reply
cyndi Lieske
10/15/2014 06:20:20 am

I'm crying with you. I'm sorry that happened. What a lovely way to remember these two friends who brought so much joy to you.

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Cristy Simon
10/15/2014 06:37:54 am

Awe, this is so heartbreaking..... Sorry <3

Reply
Ann GR
10/15/2014 09:04:29 am

Thank you Kim, Cyndi, and Cristy - thank you friends for sharing in my sadness. It is OUR collective sadness that feels for all creatures big and small. It helps to know there are other kind hearts who notice the absence of our four legged friends.

Reply
Terri
10/15/2014 11:06:09 am

Of Ann, that is so beautiful, both the art and the poem. No life is too small to mourn (I'm sorry but I don't mourn spiders even though I know they are just doing their job in keeping the universe in order). How fun it was to watch your little friends all the time. Blessings little Bambi...

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    Hi. I'm Ann.

    Welcome to
    My Drawing Board Blog.

    This is where I post my current thoughts and ideas about the topics that resonate with me, and how I work them out as illustrations. This is my work in progress.

    As an artist, I love to see the beauty in the world around me. I enjoy the play of color, patterns, and light. It is a challenge for me to try to capture the thoughts and images that inspire me.

    Sometimes, I like to quickly scratch ideas on paper. Other times, I like to take my time and work through images with color. 

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    ​Getting Creative About Functioning with LESS
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    Creativity takes on many forms. Currently, I am on a journey to live with LESS and I am trying to Make <LESS> Work for me and my family. 

    Hopefully my goal will inspire my whole household to make conscious decisions about our home environment and what we REALLY need to own. 

    My personal goal is to eliminate clutter, and make our surroundings creatively functional and beautiful.

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    We'll see where this journey takes me!


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