Driving around like a lost soul in the country recently I spotted two mules ahead. (They are mules, aren't they? Embarrassed that I don't know for sure.) Pulling the car over, I got out, cautiously hopped over a ditch, and walked slowly up to the fence. Mother and child stopped their grazing and stared while I set up my tripod. After each click, momma got closer and closer to baby, until she was standing directly in front like a shield, giving me a wary look. I got the message, smiled, told her what a good mom she was, and quietly left.
As I drove away I began to think of all the times I tried to protect (and rescue) my eldest from folly after folly. This momma's protective action made me think of him. If you are a praying person, I'd appreciate some for my boy.
40 comments:
What a beautiful depiction of a Mother's protective love. Our children go thru times in their lives when they need extra prayers, mine are there for your boy.
I love how she moved directly in front of her baby so that you could no longer keep him in the spotlight. Protecting him from the camera. It is always interesting how animals sometimes are symbolic of us. We can learn a lot from them if we just take the time to listen to what they can teach us. Love and hugs, and of course, prayers for your son. xoxo
Absolutely wonderful photography and such beautiful animals ~ Love the mama and baby ~ (A Creative Harbor) ^_^
*Gasp* Awwwwww! Aren't they beauties!
Mom has 3 at the farm & they're actually donkeys... see the stripe on the shoulders? That's a mark God gave them after carrying Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday... that's the legend, anyway! They don't all have the stripe, tho. =)
Why, Gail, I think you found yourself a couple of democrats!
Prayers for your boy.
Aren't children fun when they wonder off of the path we have set for them? I do pray for you and your son. My two daughters are all I could handle, I think. I always wanted a large family but when the time came, just got two. Now I know why. Motherhood is always rewarding AND challenging. Best to you, my dear.
and ...btw, the photos are great, too.
You got the prayers, sweet friend. Love these shots - great example of a mother's protective love. Thanks for taking them and sharing them!
Yes, they are definitely donkeys. Mules are generally extremely large. My grandpa plowed with mules when I was a little girl before he got his first tractor. I love donkeys and would love to have a pair.
Isn't it so frustrating that you can't protect them from every little thing?! I hope he's doing alright.
What wonderful photos Gail! They are donkeys, aka 'asses'. Did you know the male is called a jack and the female is called a jenny?
My prayers are with you and your son and I'm sending gentle hugs.
That Hootnonny is a hoot, isn't she? As others have mentioned, these are donkeys. Mules come from the mating of male donkeys (jacks) and female horses (mares), and they are always sterile. Mules look more like horses, too. But, all that aside, lovely pictures. I sent up a prayer for your son.
Beautiful shots of this mama and sweet baby!
Protective instinct/desire - you have captured it beautifully here. Praying for you and your eldest.
Gorgeous photos, Gail - my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mothers never stop worrying or trying to protect their young, no matter the age.
Children can be such a worry to us. My thoughts are with you my friend.
I failed to tell you that I will offer a prayer for your son.
lighting a candle, and say a prayer, for your son.
I love these beauties, they are among my favorite.
please say a prayer for me. i would appreciate it so much. not health issues.....
Well, I thought they looked like mules, but obviously I don't know anything at all. However I do understand about a mother's love, and the wish to protect one's young from all hurtfulness.
May this be so.
One of the hardest parts about being a mother is that you'll never stop worrying about your children, no matter how old they are.
You and your son are in my thoughts and prayers. xo
Sending good thoughts. I suppose if we really understood that the worries would never stop, nobody would sign up for motherhood.
I wouldn't have known which those animals were, and so I found the comments above very helpful and interesting! I do know that they are charming and your pictures are remarkable.
Gail, somehow I missed your last three blogs. Looking at them today I think all of your photos are brilliant! The mule mother did a good job protecting her baby, but you managed some shots OK. I really admired your photos in your previous two blogs too. Good work - Dave
Nice set of pictures - not sure of the are mules or donkeys, but I like them what ever they are!
I think I have the time of worry about my children's folly to come - I think I may ask you for positive thoughts at that time as well!
Cheers – Stewart M – Australia
Mother/father love is something we share with most animals. Lovely words and photos.
What a compelling story these photos tell...and you added to them so significantly with your words. I remember a sermon once that keeps me humble in relation to the paths our children take...it was about how God has already written their story and we have to let it play out His way...no matter how we feel about the direction it takes. Our job is to just 'be there' in the best capacity that we know how or that they will allow us. Sometimes 'being there' is just praying...many times that all we can do...and actually it is all God wants us to do while he takes of the rest.
how beautiful....especially the shadows on the momma's body.....xo
Fabulous photo's. I will pray for your boy. xo
Your photos look wonderful. I had the same thing happen to me only it was sheep.. But the Mom got right in front of the little one. Blocking it him from my view. Big prayer go out to you and your son!
Hugs~
Great photos Gail and my prayers are for you and your son! Turn worry to prayer!
Beautiful photos of those handsome animals!
Love their faces ... great shots! Us mama's always gotta protect our babies!
I wish you could have some of this snow just for --say an afternoon-- and then it all melt away for the rest of the winter. hahaha.
Such a sweet little one!
My 'babies' are over 30 but still my babies.
I really liked Danielle's comment.
Prayers for you and your son.
These shots are wonderful!
Mules Donkeys I have no idea but I truly love them. I would have stopped and taken those also. The Mother being protected is what we all do isn't it?
I will be praying for your son and you as well. HUG B
Beautiful shots!
Sending you and your son good thoughts.
the quote breaks my heart because it is so true
my boy is having some troubling times as well
I'll include your son in my good thoughts and hopes that the universe will be kinder
I love the mules
sweet Mom and baby
Great series and interpretation. I read your post about your boy - what an incredibly difficult situation - {hugs}.
After illness in the family and a long trip I am slowly catching up. Your tree from Oak Alley Plantation was gorgeous – I love pictures of trees. I also like this series of photos of the sweet mama protecting her baby like all the sweet mamas out there.
Oh so sweet, will keep your son in my thoughts Gail.
I'll pray for your boy...goodness, we know of so many needing to follow what mom says. Love you.
Gail, This is a perfect group of pictures that depict a mother's love and protection. How interesting that they would come in view at this juncture of your life. JB has certainly been burdening your heart for some time. A mother will always worry about her children.
I hope that he was not hurt bad.
Prayers to you and yours.
Hugs,
charlotte
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