A Sweet Surprise

As you probably knew, Rick and I have been on the road, returning from a trip to South and North Carolina by way of Columbus, where we stayed with our good friends, Lin and Larry.

When we arrived at their home they pointed out a spot to us beneath a maple tree in their back yard (which, because their home is built into a hill, was beneath us). There was a small brown patch at the base of the tree and with a better look we saw this.

This sweet fawn has deer daycare at their home! Lin said the mama deer drops off the fawn each morning at sunrise and returns at dusk, where they leave together.

The next morning, Fawn is back.

This sweet thing moved only once from its spot to shift positions, even though we were on the deck above cooking out.

 Always watching, never concerned. Safety was simply understood.

I can understand Mama Deer's trust. If I were to have any challenge that required the greatest trust of a confidante, I know exactly where I'd go.

I'd settle into a comfy chair in Lin's family room with a big glass of iced tea and no matter how frenzied I might be when I sat down, I would rise feeling relieved and more at peace.

There is something so special about having a safe place -- whether it is your home, a special spot in the world that you can simply "be," or a comfy spot where you are wrapped in the loving arms of friendship.

 We have started our holiday in the South in with a special sweet surprise that lifted my heart and filled it with joy.

Over the next couple of days we will go from the ocean in Myrtle Beach, SC to the North Carolina mountains. We will work hard and play hard and connect with dear friends and family.

But without doubt, one beautiful memory of this trip will be our stop in Columbus with Lin and Larry and our Sweet Surprise.