Some stories are harder to tell than others. This is one of the hard ones. I experienced something I consider to be “hallowed.” And if I had been where I really wanted to be, I would have missed it. Let me tell you what happened.
First off, like many of you, I wanted to go to the maryjanesfarm Farm Fair this July 4th weekend. But being in the throes of a move, I knew I needed to stay close to home. We finally decided to take a couple of days off, though, and head up to our Mountain Farm. The grass must be knee-high by now. The weeds have surely taken over my apple “orchard” and my newly minted plum “pit.” And I’d like to map out that Labyrinth concept in the meadow.
We always enjoy the 4th of July at our Mountain Farm.
Wow, I really don’t have words to express how I feel after reading your story … how incredible to experience something as powerful as that, amazing. I was sorry to hear the mother didn’t make, but thanks to you and your family her legacy lives on, you all did a wonderful job! I saved a baby chipmunk from drowning in our pool earlier this year, scooped it out, wrapped it up, put it in a box, and let it rest in the sun … he also "made it". What a great feeling, huh? I wish acts of kindness happened all the time with all people … could you imagine?
Thanks for sharing your story and reaching out as you did,
Jill @ Gypsy Flea Market
Oh my goodness that has to be the most precious thing I’ve ever seen. How sad that its mommy died but how lucky it was to have you and your hubby helping it. Who would ever think of a deer missing a jump over a fence…sigh. We had some criminal types run down several deer with snow mobiles this past spring which has caused an absolute uproar here. The one bozo got out of animal cruelty charges by saying he was "hunting" the deer. People are just outraged and the woman who allowed the snowmobile users to ride on her property is closing the trail because of this cruelty. I don’t think I could ever hunt deer. I just think they are some of God’s most beautiful creatures.
wow, you did it. I am rendered speechless. Bless you all for your kindness in the world.
Oh, my gosh, there should be a tissue warning on the header of this posting. Thank goodness there was a box near my chair. I had no idea how small those babies are!
So sorry to hear about the momma, and how sad to think that we encroach into the habitat of these poor creatures without considering the impact that we have. Thanks for the reminder!
This has to be one of the most moving stories I have read in a while. How blessed you were to be able to help this mama’s baby for it would have surely died had it not been for your persistence and love. Thanks so much for sharing as painful as it was to relive it in print.
What an incredible story. I am crying too. How sad and joyous all at once.~ ~Ahrisha~ ~
We missed you so much this weekend. But it sounds like you were right where you were ment to be. Thanks for sharing the story!
Oh, what a wonderful story. Reminds me of all the animals we cared for as kids. My Dad found baby sparrow hawks and we raised all 5 and set them free! Then there was the lamb, racoon, hamsters, fish, dogs, cats, and he even raised pigeons (the kinds you attach notes to, send out and they return). I loved all the animals we had as kids and now we found an abandoned kitten that I am keeping!!
OMG! what an amazing and precious story. I cried. Thank you
so much for sharing that. We have deer visit our yard regularly,they drink from our pond and sometimes snack on the trees and flowers, but I still couldn’t imagine harming these beautiful gentle creatures.
your story truely touched my heart. I’m still crying. I love all god’s creatures and I believe we all have the responsibilty to take care of them and our mother earth. Now I’ll go back outside and make sure the baby screech owls and humingbirds and squirrels are alright. God bless you everyone who loves animals and values them as gifts to make this a better world.
That was TRULY a sweet and wonderful fourth of July story! I am so sorry that mama-deer died but what a wonderful chance at life you gave that precious baby! (And your description of being so scared of snakes and crawling through the woods to save this baby sounds so much like something that would happen to me!!! 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing this and the wonderful photos!
I am so touched by this…typing thorough tears
Thank you for this very touching story. I just buried my beloved pet sheep, Cupid, a few days ago so I could feel your pain. God Bless these precious animals who can be so very helpless. With tears streaming down my face, thank you.
Well done Rebekah…!
Animals deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and you and your Family rose to the occasion in an exempleary manner.
You touch on a topic, which, as a member of The Humane Society, I feel quite strongly about. It is a sad comment on our cultural conditioning that it would even occur to us to "put ‘it’ out of misery". Animals are someone’s Family somewhere, and they feel fear, love, and the whole range of emotions, and they have, albeit different from ours, thoughts and hopes. It seems ridiculous to think of putting a Human child "out of misery" because of a injured leg, but it has been done… in Ancient Rome, on East Indian slave ships, and in Nazi Germany. The ethics of "less than" are exactly the same.
Y’all rose above that and acted with Love and compassion, and those traits are fundamental to civilization.
GodSpeed…!
Gary
in Tampa
I can only say thank you for sharing this beautiful yet tragic story. I had tears streaming down my cheeks by the time I reached the end. I applaud your patience in taking the time to search for her one more time along the fence, she needed all of you 😉 What a neat thing for your family to share together.
That was a great story, sounds if you were related to my sister she is always helping some poor animal out of trouble.As you were teling the story I could feel all of the emotions you were having what a farmgirl experince!!
That has to be one of the most moving stories I have heard of an animal in a while. What an experience for you and your family…heartbreaking and yet beautiful. Life is full of God’s tender mercies.
I am crying as I read this. So touching.
A shame about the momma deer. But I am glad you and your family were given the blessing of that experience.
You are such a hero.
WOW!! What a story. TISSUES Galore. We had a baby deer that laid by our pump this spring and I almost steeped on it. I immediately called my brother who instructed me that the momma would come back. I put an umbrella over (my husband’s good golf one) to keep it out of the sun. Sure enough about three hours later the momma came back and picked up her charge… Needless to say several chores did not get done in the cool of the day as I sat and watched from the kitchen…….. But who cares…
I bet the mama deer died peacefully knowing that her baby was taken care of. Animals can sense kindness. You and your families hearts are as big as the great outdoors, and now the memory of this experience, and mama deer, can frolic in your hearts forever.
What a precious story. I’ve joined the others in crying about it. It reminded me of a video I saw once on youtube. It is of a baby deer and a kitten. The song playing is What A Wonderful World. A quick search should find it. Thanks for sharing your life with us. Janie
What an experience to have, happy and sad, but REAL! You are very special people and thanks for sharing this story!
Smiles, Cyndi
What a tender story, one that many of us have repeated. Being raised on a farm, we were always tending babies and orphans, that is most what I remember. After fifty years, I am still taking care of our animals, someone elses animals, and raising horses, dogs, cats and birds. I always have to say "thanks Dad" he got me started!
Reading your story through tears in my eyes renews my faith that there is a God and he watches over us to help us do the right thing. Your family is truly guided by God and his angels to help the troubled and weak. You will go through life with Gods blessings for the miracle you performed for this little fawn. I know it’s mother went to heaven peacefully knowing the wonderful thing you did to help her baby. God bless and keep you and your wonderful family. Someday there will be a special place in heaven for you. Love, Kathe
This is one of the most beautiful stories I’ve ever read. Like everyone else, I’m moved to tears. You saved a life that day.
I’m with Susan on the tissue alert here. 🙂
In the midst of this chaotic move, of which I’ll write later, I received this beautiful comment. It was "whispered" to me, which means only I get the joy of seeing it. I can’t keep this one a "whisper." I surely hope the writer does not mind that I "shout" it out to everyone.
Let’s all say a prayer for Mia and the amazing couple who is trying to help her. Animals go straight to the heart…
Hi there, You must be an Angel! I actually found your beautiful story because I have been frantic to find out what deer like to eat so as to help the beautiful but fragile and injured deer that is now in our front yard under one of the globe willow trees that flank our front doors. She is fully grown, but so thin that we could see her ribs and her two hip bones protruding from her backside. I don’t know if another animal has attacked her, possibly a coyote or a cougar or bobcat or if she has been hit by a car or truck, but she seems to have a large hand sized injury to her hind quarters area. She was around the back of our home yesterday and my rescued labradoodle Spencer spotted her. Because he was barking (nevermind the fact that he is afraid of his own shadow), she was frightened enough to get up and walk away fairly slowly. I prayed to find her and searched the woods last evening (HUGE for me to do, as I am mortified of snakes, too, and sometimes wonder what the heck I am doing living in the Ozarks Woods!). I put a large bowl of cool water out and a bowl of chopped apples, blueberries, zuccini, and carrots out for her hoping she would return there and at least receive some water and nourishment. The food and water was untouched early this morning and because I hadn’t been able to find her, I was afraid she might have perished. My heart sank. But, I kept praying. Then, as the sun was setting this evening, my husband told me she was in the front yard in our garden under the willow. I put fresh water and more of the same dinner out for her. I put it about ten feet from her near our fountain, hoping she would smell it in the warm evening air. Just being ten feet from this gorgeous creature, was breathtaking. It stilled everything in my heart and soul. It is too dark now to see her, but I heard some noises out front, perhaps the sound of the bowls knocking against the fountain as she nibbles (I am hoping and praying that she is nourishing herself) anyway, your story has touched me as I ponder what to do to help Mia, the sweet, fragile deer in my yard. You know, your story reinforced something I have always believed. Beautiful people do beautiful things and yes, absolutely, an animal knows who is trying to care for it and is compassionate towards it. They sense something in us, I am sure. I may have to look for a rehabilitator in my area in the morning. Thank you for your amazing story! If Mia is still here in the morning, I will mix almonds in with the fruits for her for protein! Please say a little prayer that she will be healed. She has come to the right place as I will do my best to keep her safe and nourished until I can find help for her! I am expecting a Miracle for her! Best, Anne
ANNE, PLEASE KEEP US POSTED IF YOU CAN!