Shari Della Penna
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"Small acts of kindness can change and humanise our world."
   Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks 1948-2020
   ​Chief Rabbi of Great Britain, 1991-2020
                         Author, Advocate, Advisor

December 22nd, 2015

12/22/2015

4 Comments

 
Science can’t always explain what the heart already knows: Our most important friends are sometimes those we least expected.
                                   from Owen and Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship
                                                         by Isabella and Craig Hatkoff with
 Dr. Paula Kahumbu      
       On December 26, 2004, a huge tsunami destroyed much of Indonesia. resulting in great loss of life and way of life, and great loss of homes and great loss of animals. One animal that survived was a baby hippo. His rescuers named him Owen. Owen was taken to a sanctuary in Kenya, where he was well cared for and placed in an enclosure. With his physical needs met as well as humanly possible, it was up to Owen himself to take care of the rest.
       Mzee, a tortoise, lived in the enclosure. He was not friendly. At 130 years, he was not young either. But he was gentle with Owen, allowing Owen to sleep cuddled up to him. He showed Owen the food he ate. Even though not typical hippo food, Owen didn’t seem to mind. They became great friends and stayed together many years until the keepers deemed it unsafe for Mzee. Through the years Owen topped out at about 8,000 pounds, well over twice Mzee’s size. Mzee had an old shell crack that could be severely damaged if Owen wasn’t careful. 
       I sometimes feel a lot like Owen: docile, a little unsure of my place in the world, and longing for comfort. I am also a lot like Mzee, though. I like my own space, allowing in only those I choose to let in. My habits are firmly embedded. Many things I do feel like I'm working on auto-pilot. And I love to comfort and nurture smaller, more dependent creatures (think grandchildren here! and kitty cats.)
       With Owen and Mzee both at work side by side in my brain, on my good days I'm my own best friend, asking for and receiving exactly what I need.. 
       As best as I can tell, Mzee and Owen are still living in Haller Park, Kenya.
                                                                   --stay curious
 
4 Comments
Paulette
12/22/2015 09:41:56 am

Beautiful post! To the Owens and Mzees in each of us...

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Shari Della Penna link
12/22/2015 10:04:53 am

I knew you'd understand. Have a wonderful holiday. I miss you!

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Janet. moy
12/22/2015 12:18:04 pm

What a touching story, and reminds one that we can be different, yet care for each other as compassionate beings. This is a process our world needs to strive towards.

Reply
Shari Della Penna link
12/22/2015 03:40:20 pm

Thanks for the nice words. I know I'm having a good day when I remember that we're all going around the best we can.

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         I'm a children's writer and poet intent on observing the world and nurturing those I find in my small space .

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