Wisdom of the Aged
Animal Story, Blog, Wellness & Spirtuality, Wolves | January 13, 2010
As she recovered, Little White Girl became a handful in the cabin, It was clear that there was no way a big healthy lively wolf of her caliber could stay in any longer, much as she loved the camaraderie. We had the additional reason that ancient Windsong, Earthfire’s last living sibling, was having trouble getting up on her aged legs in the cold. We brought her in to the warmth and comfort and smells of living/room/kitchen. It is interesting how different animals age. Stardance, another sister, who just passed away a few weeks ago, had the same parents, life events and treatment. She was graceful and quick until her last five days, and alert right to the end. Windsong has been half in another world for several months now. Yet she continues living on, slow and steady. The only thing that claims her attention in this world, as with any good wolf, is food. She totters her way around looking for it when not sleeping.
Watching her lying quietly one early morning I thought about how rare it is for a wolf to be able to be on this earth to such a great age. An intuitive friend of mine, given to such things, said she feels Windsong is gathering wolf wisdom to share with the Great Council of departed wolves. With my mother, as she became less and less aware, less able to speak, her spirit started to shine through She became more luminous. Ancient trees seem to have a wisdom and dignity too. I wonder about the universality across species of gathering quiet wisdom as one ages.
Earthfire’s Mission in Action by Pat Hager
lovely…..cannot wait to read more!
Comment by Sionnedd — January 20, 2010 @ 3:28 pm
I am no stranger to wolves. I have been a friend of Earthfire for years — first as a volunteer, then as a board member and now as their office manager so it was not surprise when a wolf came to visit me in the office yesterday. Windsong is an elderly wolf and you have read about her in previous blog entries. The snow was flying horizontally making it miserable outside for her arthritic bones. So in she came for a visit. She is a proud and beautiful wolf regardless of age. Windsong is the last surviving member of her litter of seven, surviving Earthfire, for whom Earthfire Institute was named. She quickly made herself at home, exploring and sniffing everything (she is almost blind and deaf). When she felt comfortable that every inch of the office had been investigated, she laid down with a deep thud — her head literally slamming onto the floor. Animals have such incredibly hard heads — I quickly looked over to make sure she was OK and she was already off to slumber. What a gift for me to share time and space with such a magnificent creature — she being content in knowing that “her” people care about her and give her extra loving attention considering her age and firmaments — and for me knowing I had such an honored elder in my midst. I just wish that everyone who “thinks” they know what wolves are about, could have the opportunity to meet one, face to face. Her intelligence and beauty is breathtaking and when I look into her eyes I see a majesty and knowing that goes beyond description. Afterall, she is the last remaining spokes-wolf for her family of seven and she still has a lot of people to educate. I wish for many more days of snow and many more visits from Windsong.
Comment by Linda Miller — January 28, 2010 @ 6:39 pm
Perhaps, I have a tiny idea as to the wisdom Linda Miller indicates in her comment when I look into the amber eyes of my German Shepherd female dog. There appears to be a depth of knowing and calm–like deep, still water–that manages to take my breath away on a regular basis. Yes, her head is hard, too, and hits the floor with quite a thud. She doesn’t seem to mind it, either.
Thank you, Linda.
Comment by Connie Glavin — September 24, 2010 @ 7:49 pm