We have been witnessing the feeding of a family of four racoons. There must be a fifth racoon somewhere, but he is an absentee father. I am content that they do not live in my backyard or under my decks and I am reasonably sure now that they do not live in my neighbours' yards either. They are fence walkers, and they travel through our community I believe from a large green-space nearby in order to find food. So in our neighbour's yard to the rear of us is a towering wild cherry tree which has attracted these racoons. They climb high into the branches and reach with dexterity using their hand like paws to grasp cherries. When they see us they stop and consider the situation, analyzing whether we are a threat. Momma is particularly watchful and from behind her black mask she determines whether her offspring are safe or vulnerable. Tiny chirping sounds emanate from her which the babies understand. One evening we were too close I think because her message sent the little masked marvels scampering up the tree where all four sat for almost an hour. I worried that the small ones might lose their grips and fall to the ground. Momma came to each one, touched noses and ascertained that all was well. Finally they descended and moved on for the night. This has gone on for many days and today I noticed how much the little ones had grown.
All of my grandchildren have seen the racoons, so have our neighbours and their children. When our own children and grandchildren are with us, close to us, within our care, we can do such simple activities – like watching a family of racoons and talking about it. We take this autonomy for granted.
The inherent freedom of parents to nurture their children, to enjoy a backyard BBQ, to throw a frisbee or lawn bowl, to sip a cool drink or to run around until so tired that falling asleep in their own beds at home is natural, has been withdrawn and withheld from Paul and Zabeth Bayne. If this continues three more months it will be three years of private family moments that have been missed. Paul and Zabeth did not choose to be absentee parents.
What might you think of me if I were to trap the three small animals and remove them to Redwood Park but leave Momma Racoon to wander fences in my neighbourhood? The analogy doesn't work does it? I might be doing something humane. The other action is not.
