by Karen Earley

Created on: May 27, 2009   Last Updated: June 05, 2009

SUMMER OF AWAKENING

Timmy was enjoying his first day of summer break exploring in the woods. He appreciated the clouds overhead with their formations of blues and whites. He stood quietly amongst the trees and saw a mother deer and her fawns pass by in the distance. He enjoyed watching the loving mother lead her babies to a stream ahead for a cool drink of spring water.

Days ago he also enjoyed a refreshing drink from that same spot. He had lain there along the water's edge, observing the fish that paddled through on their way downstream. This was his favorite place of all because he felt close to God, and he enjoyed God's creation. He wanted to absorb it all as he hoped to write about his childhood memories when he got older. He had already started writing in a journal his thoughts so he wouldn't forget any of them.

His mom set down the phone.

"Aunt Helen called," she told Timmy.

She lived on a farm just down the hill from them.

"She wants you to spend a few weeks on the farm to help out."

Timmy looked forward to visiting his aunt because of all the animals. There was always something to do there.

"Wow," said Timmy, "can I go Mom? Please? I would love to spend a few weeks there helping Aunt Helen."

He could see that his mom was a little hesitant. Maybe it was because he often leaped into doing before thinking.

"Okay Timmy," she told him, "you may go, but mind Aunt Helen and don't get into any trouble."

"Thanks Mom, I'll do everything I can to help." Timmy was just eight years old, but he loved helping people.

He ran upstairs, quickly threw a few jeans in his duffle bag, two shirts, and underwear. He felt so grown up being able to go help.

When Timmy got to Aunt Helen's on his bike, he ran to the door as she welcomed him.

"I'm so glad to come, Aunt Helen," he said. "What do you want me to do first?"

"Well, Timmy," she said, "come with me to the pig pen. We have a problem."

On the way to the pig pen he noticed all the feathers lying around. He heard a squawk, then a chicken came running around the corner like he was being chased by something.

As Timmy followed her he could see Ethel, the mommy pig, had babies again.

"Look" he said, amazed, "there are so many of them and they are all feeding except one."

"Yes, Timmy," said his aunt, "that's what the problem is. I'm afraid if he doesn't get to eat something soon, he will die. Do you think you could take care of him?"

"Oh yes," Timmy bubbled, "I'd love to. What should I do?"

"Come in the house

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