I HATE critters. Spiders, bees, wasps, and even roaches - those things that make some people's skin crawl don't bother me. Critters? I hate them. I know that is a strong term and they all made it on the arc, but I hate them. Mice, rats, bats, lizards, and snakes. Yuck.
Today I noticed some shredded paper in the garage. I took a look at it and knew what it meant no matter how I tried to deny it. I had to get into a storage container, and noticed some little droppings on top of it. The paper I was able to reason out, but droppings. . . nope . . . .thats what they are, no denying it.
I treaded lightly thru the rest of my digging, and hurried myself back into the house. We haven't seen nor had a mouse since we left Iowa. I can honestly say - I haven't missed them nor have I missed that spasm in my stomach when I see evidences of those little rascals anywhere in the vicinity.
Growing up I don't remember ever seeing critters share our living quarters. When we moved to the country with our boys I was introduced to a plethora of critters. Despite my incredible dislike for them, they had no problem inhabiting our living space and making themselves known.
Over the course of our 14 years on the farm, we dealt with mice and dreaded bats. The first year we moved there we killed 27 bats in our home!! They were horrible. One night sound asleep I felt something brush my arm and it woke me from a sound sleep. I could hear its wings flapping thru the dark night. I pulled the covers over my head and tapped Jim on the shoulder telling him there was bat that brushed my arm. He flew out of bed and went into the hallway and turned on the light. As he did the bat came flying out at him and he ducked and fell down the steps to the kitchen. Sorry - I laughed. He was fine and escaped uninjured (well maybe his pride), then he came back up to show that ole bat (not me) who was boss. And he did. And he won.
One afternoon I was home sick from work. I was sitting in the recliner in the living room cross-stitching. It was almost winter, and the mice were looking for warm places to live. We had placed decon out in preparation. This particular afternoon I thought if I can see the mouse across the room being stupid, I'm ok and safe. So, I continued with my cross stitch and out of the corner of my eye a while later, I see something moving. That stinkin mouse was climbing up the side of my chair - I lost it. I was covered up with a blanket with a lap full of thread and scissors and booklets. I tried to fly out of that recliner with the footfeet up, and did an ass end over applecart move getting all twisted and turned in the blanket. Cross stitch stuff went flying everywhere. I went up to bed where I was safe and mice can't get me . . . .
The worst, most horrible experience tho turned my body into jello. I couldn't move. I felt like I was Gumby standing in the same spot with my body willing but not able to move.
My nephew spent a great deal of time with us, and one afternoon Jim took all four boys fishing, or some manly activity. They came home with nothing less than a bull snake. We always had a no snake policy - period. The kids were all excited, and Jim told me that he wanted them to be able to keep the snake. I reminded him of the policy and he begged and pleaded with me. He said that he would get the aquarium set up and there would be a lid on it, so no need to fear. I relented and said ok, but I better never EVER see a snake anywhere in my house. EVER.
The next morning I got up, had my morning coffee, the boys were playing outside all ready so early in the morning. It was grocery day and I decided I would get my list and my coupons ready. I had a special drawer that I kept all my coupon things in, and after the list was all put together I went to put the coupon clippings away, and as I bent down to the bottom drawer, my eyes caught sight of something moving on the countertop. NO WAY. The boys must have checked on the snake first thing in the morning, and didn't put the lid on tight. Now the thing was loose, and climbing on my counters. I couldn't move. I was paralyzed. I wanted to just pass right out!!! I did what any other red blooded american Mom would do once I gained my composure. I ran outside, shut myself in the car with my list, and made the boys go in that house and not come out til snake was in hand!! Finally. After a very long time, out of the house came four boys and a snake. Needless to say - the aquarium was never needed.
What have I learned?
First off - I've learned that mice and rats and bats are NOT people too. DeCon is your friend.
Secondly, I've learned that I don't miss the aforementioned critters. At all.
Thirdly and most importantly I've learned that even those things that we find desgusting and can even use the word hate with in the same sentence, can evoke memories. Great memories - memories that weren't so great at the time, but memories that today looking back make me smile.
When I go out to the garage and start digging through boxes that have been so conveniently ignored, I will be keenly aware of the little being that has shredded paper, and left tales to tell it behind both in the mess and the drippings. Memories of the days on the farm will flood my brain, and as I fearfully dig, I will have visions of four sweet little faces with great big grins, and sparkling excited eyes forefront.
I am blessed.
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