Asterika hated the contraption. She tried her best to wriggle out of the wheels the humans made for her. It felt heavy and cumbersome and retricted her movement. Squirrels were made to be on their feet always. Why does this meddlesome human think she knows best?
It was fine when Priscy picked her up from the ground. Otherwise the boys would've certainly done some damage. It still wasn't very clear to Asterika if she fell down or if someone pushed her off the nest. Anyway after the fall, she couldn't move for sometime and the school boys armed with stones menacingly drew near.
Before a stone was cast, there was this sweet voice, clear as bell that meant something like the 'Princy pal's office' and what a pal that must be for this tiny human wasn't even as big as those school boys yet at the mention of her pal, they fled the scene.
Mulling over the happenings of that eventful evening, Asterika wanted to feel grateful, yet found it hard to be living indoors.
She had been gnawing that limb that had become lifeless, wanting to grow out a new one. Nobody told her squirrels don't get to be salamanders. But the tiny spots on the floor of Priscy's home gave away Asterika's intentions and soon enough she found herself on the table of a vet. To Asterika, they were all the same- the vet, Priscy's dad, Priscy's mom and everyone she saw on the road.
How was she to know the depths of turmoil that little Priscy's heart was plunged into when she heard things like paralyzed and defective digestive tract from the vet. Worse still, Priscy's dad explained to Priscy what it all actually meant for the tiny squirrel that his daughter tenderly cradled in her arms.
Resolved to wipe the tear that threatened to engulf his heart, Priscy's dad told her, "We will try our best to give her a life, Priscy" . Priscy never had any questions for her dad when he promised something because she knew it will be kept. So, this time, with a new found hope, she made the journey home and comforted her mother.
Priscy's mom was the embodiment of kindness. Before Priscy reached home from the vet, she had managed to find tiny socks for little Asterika.
That night, Asterika went to sleep, feet tucked in.
The next day brought in a strange looking man with all sorts of tiny toy cars. Priscy and her dad sat together and dismantled each one trying to find one that went with Asterika's size. It was such a tedious process and none of them liked it much. But two of them were very determined and finally, they found a neat little Hot Wheels car, prised opened the top and set Asterika on the chaise.
It fitted fine for her hind legs, the part that was pronounced paralyzed. Soon, that piece of metal was customised, cushioned and strapped on to Asterika. While the rest of the family rejoiced, Asterika remained morose. They tried to cheer her up. She refused to move. Priscy gently nudged her. Suddenly the squirrel felt like it was flying. She liked the wind on her. She couldn't stop after that.
The very thing that felt like a burden, now became the thing that gave her speed and caused her to love life a little bit more.
Enjoying little Asterika chase her down the hall, Priscy was thinking to herself, how sometimes certain things in life seem like a burden -but when you trust God's wisdom behind it all, then they become means of abounding grace.
P.S. Based on a true story. The names have not been changed.
Comments