Trust. It seems inbred in the hearts and minds of little children whenever together with animals. There is an unspoken bond of trust between them, triggered by instinct. I take great delight in observing it, finding it nearly palpable. Love and laughter, sharing, caring and trust.
Back in May of this year, my only grandson celebrated his first birthday during an outdoor party complete with a petting zoo. His great-grandfather was able to join the celebration, traveling all the way from Arizona to make it extra special. In an earlier post I wrote of the anticipation of such entitled, “Dads With Little Lambs.” How lucky we were to have it land on a glorious spring day! Blue skies matched the color of gemstones while a breeze gently puffed cool air through new born leaves dangling from ancient limbs of oak trees.
There was no ‘white picket fence’ surrounding baby animals that day. Instead, children were allowed to chase chickens freely. Chubby fingers touched new textures, repeating names of four-legged friends they had only met before in picture books or pieced together in chunky puzzle boards of primary colors. Each child took turns petting spotted calves groaning, “M.O.O.” before skinny legs dressed in ruffles or blue jeans swung over saddles to take their very first pony rides.
Afterwards, the guest of honor was stripped naked, except for a diaper that seemed to match his new friend of black and white spots. My grandson soon sat grinning on a huge sheet of plastic red. It rippled and crinkled whenever he moved. He loved the feel of it, I could tell! Within seconds, a farm decorated Smash Cake , complete with miniature bright red barn appeared before his two enormous blue-watered eyes. Murmurs traveled among those who sat on benches of wood behind picnic tables of green. What would the birthday boy do? Stick his finger to taste a treat of brown bunny frosting? Or snatch and seize the biggest field of golden-colored corn he’d ever seen?
In the end, the big-little guy couldn’t contain himself. He dove right in. Head-first! Exactly what his new animal friends had whispered silently to him minutes before. “Go for it,” they had said, as only animal friends can do. And so he did.
Trust….
Wonderful post Kim 😀
You are right about the trust between kids and animals. The kids do also need to learn, how to behave in the company of animals.
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Good point, Irene. As with all things in life, ‘Trust’ can be taken too far. Thank you for this important reminder. Blessings, Irene.
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Good point, Irene. As with anything in life, children should learn to value ‘trust.’ Thanks for the important reminder. Blessings to you, Irene.
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What a delightful story. Kids do have a special connection to animals. I think they communicate through their unusual sounds. Your grandson had a great birthday experience. He’s adorable!
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Oh, thank you so much! We all had the BEST day. And my one year old grandson? He was in all his glory!
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Kids and animals appear to have an understanding. I love to see them together.
Wonderful pictures. Thank you for sharing his first birthday photos. ❤ ❤
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You are so very welcome, Tess. Sometime, I sat in the background, just watching the children “talk to the animals.” Not even my birthday, yet plenty of ‘gifts’ for me! 😊
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Tugs at your heartstrings, doesn’t it? ❤ ❤
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Like strings on a ‘big red balloon.’ Hugs to you, Tess. XO
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{{hugs}}
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🙂
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Trini, forgive me as somehow I missed your sweet comment. Heartfelt appreciation for your time and words. I am forever brightened in spirit when your smile pops up on my screen! Thank you. 😊
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What a happy face !
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He’s always like that, Dan! Much like his father was when he was a baby. Gentle souls. Thank you for reading and commenting. 😊❤️
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so so lovely 🙂 ❤
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Kids and animals must be set to grow up and bond together, building on the already instinctive mutual trust. It will naturally engender love for other life forms and healthy respect for the environment. Your grandson is in great company, Kim…
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Such awe, Raj! Wish I could hold a bit of their magic for just one moment….Thank you with blessings. Keep me posted on your forthcoming grand-baby! 🙂
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I nominated you for “The Creative Blogger Award”. I hope you accept, but understand if you don’t. Here’s the details: https://thewallgalleryblog.wordpress.com/2015/06/26/oops-i-shaved-my-head-the-creative-blogger-award/
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Oh, thank you, Kirt. I am truly humbled by this beautiful award and thank you kindly. Next week is my ‘acceptance’ time, when family matters are finally settled. Thank you, truly.
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An enchanting story Kim, children being introduced to the magical world of animals, purely delightful.
Your narrative makes for a great kids story book.
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What a high compliment you pay me, Ian! Thank you for reading and enjoying my words. So special to share the life of ‘babies.’ our own and others. Blessings, Ian. 😊
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Thank you Kim, your compliment was well deserved.
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So appreciated, Ian. Special friend from ‘Down Under.’ ❤️
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My pleasure Kim.
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🙂
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Wow.. what a wonderful day and such a lovely family.. And Birthday Boy is delightful Kim.. Lots of happy memories here among all the smiles.. 🙂
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Thrilled to have ONE boy among my brood of grand-babies. He is such a sweet, special soul. Thanks so much, Sue. Much like his father, Jayson. A true gift from God. Of course, they all are…:)
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