(I preface this article with a warning that it deals with my seeing the reckless death of two animals)

I believe that God chooses some of us to be present in moments that we ourselves would not choose for ourselves. My assumption after years of experiencing this has brought me to the conclusion that God trusts us to handle it and to do His will in those moments.

Father Ron has been chosen to be present to so many souls whose lives were coming to their ends, his presence bringing the sacrament of extreme unction and the presence and power of a merciful God. His love and spiritual strength a light of comfort to the dying.

For myself, it seems that I am in places where animals meet their deaths. This was the case this past week.

Driving home the other evening a man ahead of me in a small compact had the road wide open ahead of him. I noticed in the distance what appeared to be three furry creatures crossing the road. Surely he saw them too. How could he not, there was nothing to obstruct his view. I began to slow in preparation for his slowing to allow the animals to cross. Instead, he barreled forward just missing the mother raccoon and striking her two young kits.

I was stunned.

I pulled to the side of the road where I noticed that one of the kits was still alive. I needed to get to it and see if it could be saved.

Getting out of my truck, traffic stopped, allowing me to pick up the two little raccoon bodies and bring them off the highway, where I placed them under an oak tree. I looked up and saw the mother watching from a distance and my heart ached for her. I knew she would be coming back to mourn her babies. The kit that was still alive was mortally wounded with internal injuries, so I knew what I needed to do.

I always carry holy water with me. I took it out and blessed both kits and asked Jesus to take the one that was struggling quickly. I stroked it and spoke softly to it and its little spirit left quietly.

Then there it was…..GOD IN THE MOMENT. His presence about me, like so many times before, about the little creatures that had just died, powerfully, almost a perfume filling the air letting me know that He was there and He would take over.

Over the years, I have pulled off highways to just be present to so many animals, domestic and wild as they died. Somehow always being at the right place at the right time to do what needs to be done. One I will always remember was a mother deer, struck on a busy street and being there to hold its head and comfort it as it left this world.

I guess that is why in all my research, in all my wonderings as to the nature of the Creator of us ALL, that He has given me a special gift to understand that nothing escapes Him.

That He is and forever will be our God in our Moments and the moments of all creation in all of time, a God whose divine providence is eternal!

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