World, meet Bambi. Bambi, meet world.
This creature of unbridled innocence is one of the recent additions to our farm. I named him Bambi because, well, look at him – he’s the personification of that beloved Disney character made flesh. Bambi is part of a herd of deer that reside in our woods just beyond the back pasture. On most afternoons as the sun begins to set, I’m sure to find Bambi, his parents and siblings grazing in that back field. Bambi was the rambunctious member of the family; bouncing around or running back and forth, bobbing and weaving as though daring his siblings to catch him. He has long, graceful legs and energy to spare, and I so loved to watch him as he bounded around the field until his parents gave him the signal – that look of disapproval that would cause Bambi to pause, look around, then slowly make his way back into the woods. I’ve taken many a photo of these beautiful creatures, but today was a special day.
You see, this picture was taken moments before Bambi died.
Bambi had been in the back field grazing in the early morning hours. At some point, something spooked him and he ran towards the woods. But instead of heading to the wooden fence where he could easily slip in between the boards, he attempted to clear a small section of wire fencing topped by a single wooden slat. He tripped and caught his hind leg in the wire mesh, causing a massive compound fracture in his leg. He was discovered hours later as the fields were being mowed, and it was very apparent that he was in serious danger. We called the veterinarian who came within minutes. After looking at Bambi, the vet advised that there was nothing that could be done, as the injuries were too severe. Bambi was euthanized, and we buried him in the very field where he loved to play.
Whether by accident or intent, a loss of innocent life is particularly hard to witness. With so much anguish, hatred, animosity, and derision going on in the world, every point of light is a necessary beacon to help keep our spirits from descending into darkness. I know that some of you reading this may find me in a dissociated state; that I’m making too much out of an unfortunate yet nonetheless unremarkable event with an animal. And that is fine; opinions are plentiful and we’re each entitled to a batch or two. But as I stood in front of Bambi and spoke softly to reassure him that he would be OK, I realized that it’s the loss of innocence that reminds us of where our greatest strengths come from. The look in Bambi’s eyes; that conviction mixed with acceptance and peace, was jarring to see. It reminded me of when my beloved passed away. That despite all the pain and anguish she had endured, she left this world with a look of absolute peace on her face. That is a strength of spirit that isn’t just relegated to us humans; it’s an essential component of all living things. And when such a light goes out, whether in the intimacy of your home or a nondescript corner of woods, the world grows a bit dimmer.
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