Shirley continues to teach us volumes about life and death, inspiring us once again. After a few days of self imposed isolation Shirley and Tarra are back together again. Shirley hiked a few miles to the lake and then the blackberry gauntlet to meet up with Tarra; they met each other half way. Tarra, true to nature, wanders off in search of adventure daily with gal pal Bella at her heals but spends a great deal of time each day communing with Shirley. For the past few days Tarra has remained with Shirley forgoing her adventures for the time being. This can only be good for the both of them and an obvious change is evident in Tarra who seems to have grown up over night. Being Shirley’s sole companion currently has affected Tarra in ways that will continue to shape her as an individual, encouraging her to move past her cherished position as the pampered child to the more appropriate equal. Shirley is a great mentor and Tarra appears to be receptive to learning more about what it means to be an elephant in an elephant community.
2009-06-07
