To think the reappearance of a little marmot would make me squeal for joy will seem silly to any who see this little scrich. A couple of months ago a mama marmot and her two babies gifted my heart such joy. They fed with the birds and squirrels. I call them my little hoovers (like the vacuum cleaner) because they fill their cheeks with seed, run back to their dens and leave no husks or trace of seed. Shortly after the little ones were hovering on their own the family disappeared. I have not seen them for a couple of months. Today, as always, I looked out to see if maybe they had returned. My heart soared. There was a marmot. For me, a most welcome homecoming.

I think of all the footprints in my life that nature and humans have left. As I celebrated the marmot, with my hands to my heart, I bowed my head and gave thanks for all. It seems people and precious moments of nature are like footprints along the ocean’s edge. So quickly they get washed away by the tides of life. Each night I try to give thanks for all, many by name, and always the prayer for the ones I’ve forgotten. Today, no reason to wait. A simple prayer for each one of you. May the winds and gentle sweet hands of Life touch you lightly upon the shoulder with a whisper of grace and gratitude. As for me, the little marmot reminds me of those still present and the absence of those whose footprints have been washed. Washed, yes, but not forgotten. A moment of homecoming in my heart.