A mama raccoon brings her young to my front yard. They wade in the kiddy pool, learning for the first time what it means to swim. Their mother prepares them for the creeks they will wade through. But, she knows danger is always nearby and keeps her attention on her surroundings. We peek from the window as the smallest baby, maybe a couple pounds pulls his straggling leg over the lip and is fully submerged. The night air is warm, we can imagine the cool feeling of water against their bellies. To some, raccoons are pests that root through garbage cans, leaving havoc in their wake. To my family and me, they are where they belong, attempting to survive where humans have invaded. These images of life (often taken for granted) constantly surround us. This story follows a pair of once-abandoned cats, Miss Kitty and Samantha, as they traverse the farm together, encountering wildlife for the first time under my watchful eye. If we are careful, these animals can teach us something deeper of ourselves. I firmly believe in God’s love for his children, not just human but for every living being he creates.