I recently shuffled onto my back porch to allow the sunshine warm my haggard bones. It’s not safe to descend the stairs but I can use the deck to watch and listen to my river.

A mournful cry emanated from under the deck steps.

Oh dear, I thought, an injured or sick animal.

Worse than I imagined. A raccoon in the death grip of rabies.

I called the Animal Control officer and Ashely arrived quickly. She assessed the poor animal and determined that a quick put-down was called for.

One shot.

The birds held their collective breaths and except for the quiet tears forming in my eyes silence prevailed.

Blessed be :{

Il mio amato immortale.