Black & White Wednesdays ~ Another Story

"Let the rain kiss you.

Let the rain beat upon your head

with silver liquid drops.

Let the rain sing you a lullaby."
Langston Hughs

I don't know how they know to follow, but they do.

They know to stay huddled close to each other, and close to mom and dad, and follow closely through the water. When dad digs his beak into the muddy pond floor to stir up food, they know to nibble and nourish themselves. When mom climbs to the shore and settles down to rest, they know to climb out and nestle in beside her. They know to settle down, smushed all together along one side of mama's long body, and rest. The family rests and papa stands guard. Stays alert. 

They're quite a team, these new parents. When one is occupied with the littles, the other is watching. Watching for signs of danger. For predators. They stick close together and work to nourish and protect. 

I stood under the trees, while a light rain fell, for several hours on Sunday. I marveled at the instincts, the know how. How seamlessly mom and dad navigated the parental waters. How easily the babes followed along. Part of me identified with the ease and simplicity of it all. Motherhood fit me. Came naturally. 

Until it didn't. Until those moments when I was unsure. Didn't know what to say, what to do ... where to lead the littles. Until those moments when I questioned myself, questioned their dad. Somehow, amidst the questions, we found enough answers and found our way. 

Standing in the rain, alone with my thoughts and memories, I felt so blessed. Sometimes the small storms that came blowing trough our lives came with rain that kissed us gently. Sometimes it beat down on us. Sometimes it sang us a lullaby. Whatever the case, we learned to swim together. When it was easy and when it was rough... 

Through it all, we find strength as a family. And keep on swimming.

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