Never in my life have I seen such a scene.Never in my life have I experienced beauty in such an ugly, horrific way.
Never in my life will I forget what I witnessed when taking my morning walk on August 3rd, 2010.
A few steps ahead of me, I thought I spotted an opossum...dead, on the road. (not an uncommon sight when you live in the country) A few steps closer, I realized that the opossum was alive. It was moving, circling and laying on what appeared to be a bloody spot.
Gross.
A few steps closer and I realized that this opossum was not alone on the road. For scattered about her were three or four baby opossums, not moving...quiet, still. I looked above them and realized right away that the babies must have fallen from the tree. The spot was probably where someone had not been able to maneuver around several of the babies.
Gross.
I just stood there and watched as the mother continued to circle, smell, curl and lay. She didn't stray from that bloody mess. She continued to circle, smell, curl in a ball and just lay there until she decided to move and repeat her motions over and over. Not wanting to move any closer for the fear of being bit, my legs were frozen even though I wanted to turn and walk away. I couldn't seem to take my eyes of this disgusting scene.
Gross.
But as I continued to watch this ugly creature, I realized what I was experiencing was a mom grieving for her babies. Grief--in its ugliest, rawest form. My heart was softened, my right hand rose to my mouth as I began to cry. The tears came--naturally and unstoppable, as if I was grieving along with her.
Not so gross anymore.
Grief is never planned, never explainable, never welcomed. Grief is inevitable, for in experiencing life, we must all experience death. Grief is difficult, heart-wrenching, life-changing and is an ugly, ugly feeling.
But it can also be beautiful.
Beautiful in that we who observe grief know that because an enormous grieving is taking place, there must have also been an enormous love. Yes, to love much is to grieve much.
Beautiful love, beautiful grief.
Grief is no respecter of persons, of circumstances or time...
or creatures.
While I understand that opossums are not compassionate creatures by nature and even eat their young, this is how I reacted to this unusual scene. Having experienced many different kinds of 'deaths' in my life in the last 5 years, my observations might take on a more emotional connotation and may be viewed as unrealistic or wrong by some--So be it. I do not claim to know everything. Remember: this is an interpretation, not a scientific report.
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