The mood around the barnyard this morning is rather sad, with a number of hugs and tissues being handed out among all the little ones. It’s literally a tearful and snotty mess in the barn!
Remember me telling you that story about how all the squirrels in Acorn Valley were gone? When I questioned those ravens about it, all they gave me was a very cryptic song that I was expected to decipher. Well, it turns out that due to problems within their own kingdom, the Acorn King and all his kingdom were forced to accept help from the Pinion Kingdom… you know, Lady Ophelia’s kin from the southern woods.
You may be asking how I came to know this information, and in truth, I didn’t even know that, until I arrived at the barn this morning. Let me explain…
Early this morning, a large armada of stern looking squirrels, all dressed in royal guardsman uniforms, arrived at our barn door. They bore the insignia of House Pinion upon the breast pocket of each of their uniforms, so I knew right away who they were! An older, and seemingly high ranking squirrel, stepped forward and handed me an official looking piece of paper. Awkwardly, I broke the tiny wax seal and opened the letter. As I did so, I noticed a very subdued and sorrowful looking Squagon standing between two heavily armed Squirrel Guards. I didn’t even need to read the contents of the letter to understand what was happening… I’d just been given orders to release him to his mother’s kin, House Pinion!
I knew this day might come, but quite honestly, I thought we’d have more time together… and I certainly didn’t expect him to be taken all the way south to his mother’s family. The suddenness of things was rather shocking, and all of the babes were a wreck… especially Squagon, the poor little thing!
Helplessly, we all just stood and watched as they marched him away, though I will tell you that I sent Brutus straight away, to secretly follow them all the way back to Pinion Valley. He’ll make sure that nothing bad happens to Squagon… at least nothing physical, anyway. The dragon will watch over young Squagon!
With Brutus watching over him, I do not fear for the little squirrel on his outsides. Though it pains me to think about it, sometimes dangers and injuries can come from within the heart, where one must rely upon themselves to overcome. He may be a young one, but I do know that Squagon is quite smart and has a stout heart!
For now, while Brutus does what he must do for Squagon’s sake, I too have much work to do, here in the barnyard. Teaching the babes how to cope with loss is not something I’m looking forward to doing, but it needs doing, none the less.
Now don’t worry too much, as Brutus has everything in hand with young Squagon… and we’ll be getting regular updates on how things are going for him with his kin. He is a very brave young squirrel, and I would be ashamed to let him see us blubbering on about the situation. We must be strong for Squagon, so that he knows his barnyard family will be here, when he returns.
I think I will use today’s classroom time for writing letters to Squagon, telling him how much everyone loves and misses him. Perhaps, with Brutus carrying notes back and forth between all of us, the distance will not seem so great. While I’m not certain of when, I am confident that we shall see Squagon again, soon.
While the squirrel might be bigger, older and a bit changed when he returns, he will forever be our tiny furry baby with funny wings, all wrapped up inside a walnut shell.
Uh Oh… we’re all out of tissues! I gotta go get more before Miss tilly starts blowing her nose on the sleeve of her dress… ewww!
Journey With Me! 