Everyday is special. Everyday has a special meaning. Today, however, is extra special. It is National Squirrel Appreciation Day! What a fantastic day to celebrate one of my most favorite creatures on this earth – squirrels.
My father-in-law had a unique relationship with squirrels. It was definitely a love-hate situation. He enjoyed watching birds and growing flowers. The squirrels, doing what they do, sometimes got in the way of his enjoyment. They would steal his birdseed and trample his flowers. But, he enjoyed watching them play and celebrate life. He tolerated their trespasses since he loved the creatures. He participated in watching them with his grandchildren and shared in their joy. He accepted his role with them, and they accepted their role with him.
My relationship has always been more of a love-indifferent one with squirrels. I love watching them, they are indifferent about me. I love the way they play with each other. I love the way that they climb and jump and skitter about in the trees. I love how they make children happy. They love the fact that I will brake for them when they are crossing the street.
Squirrels are cute, little creatures that enjoy life. They have babies called kittens, and they can run up to 20 miles and hour. They can fly, and when they are frightened, they dart back and forth to confuse predators. Gray squirrels are called “living fossils” because they haven’t changed much in 37 million years. I am happy for that!
