Along With Memories Of My Mom
Last week while I was up in the high country of the Wasatch Mountains, I was able to take a few Uinta Ground Squirrel close up photos next to the road. I was happy to see the ground squirrels because I thought I might miss seeing them this year.
Young Uinta Ground Squirrel in summer – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Uinta Ground Squirrels are not above ground for very long. I left for Virginia before I saw my first of the year Uinta Ground Squirrel because even in early May, there was still heavy snow in the mountains. I simply could not get to the areas where I see them each year.
Due to my mom being placed in hospice in Virginia, I had more important things to take care of for most of the spring. I knew that clearing out my mom’s apartment of 25 years was solely my responsibility.
Thankfully, my niece Kristal and my bonus grandsons, Nick and Kevin, were also able to help me for a couple of days. I am grateful to Kevin and Nick for assisting with disposing of the larger household items that I simply couldn’t wrangle.
Visiting my mom and being able to see her every day that I was in Virginia was even more important to me. I wanted her to know I was there, loving her, and taking care of what needed to be done.
Summer Uinta Ground Squirrel nibbling grass seeds – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I lost about a pound a day while I was in Virginia because of my high physical activity level. I was there for more than three weeks. Not only was my trip to Virginia physically exhausting, but it was also highly emotional. I knew my mother was fading fast.
Again thankfully, I had the support of my niece, Kristal, my sons William and Chris, one of my mom’s neighbors, Miss Ethel, Mom’s longtime friend who was more of a sister to her, Teresa, and a few of my dearest and closest friends who checked in with me while I struggled.
Young Uinta Ground Squirrel munching grass seeds – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
As I was falling asleep in Virginia one night, I wondered if I would see these ground squirrels this year at all. I didn’t know how long I would be away from Utah.
That night, I also remembered how thrilled my Mom was when she saw them with me during her visit to Utah in the spring of 2018. She took photos of these little fuzzballs from the backseat of my Jeep and was so happy to visit me here one last time. I am so glad I have those memories of her in my mind and heart.
Summer young Uinta Ground Squirrel close up – Nikon D500, f10, 1/800, ISO 640, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I didn’t come straight back to Utah when I left Virginia. I flew to Dallas, where I spent time with my son William and his wife Lisa. After visiting with them and getting the hugs I needed, I went to Arkansas to spend time with my friend Steve, to rest, recover, and recuperate. By the time my feet touched the ground in Utah, it felt as if I had been gone for an entire year.
Seeing these young Uinta Ground Squirrels high in the Wasatch Mountains last week caused both happy and sad tears to form in my eyes. Those tears revisited this morning as I wrote this.
I’m so very blessed to have spent time with my mother before she passed, to have these memories of her, and the ones I have with those whom supported me on her last journey to share.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Uinta Ground Squirrel photos plus facts and information about this species.
What a terrific set of shots! Perfect detail and eye contact. Good looking fellow ain’t he?
For what it’s worth…my Mom died in 1991 – 32 years ago and I still think about her every day. The grief of her passing was replaced long ago with memories of warmth and comfort; admiration for a hard life bravely met and, of course, her absolute love for our family. I don’t think of myself as particularly religious or spiritual but I can truthfully say that I sense her presence around me all the time. It’s a good feeling. Perhaps, given the perspective of time it will work the same way for you.
Thanks Mia.
I know how often and how unexpectedly those tears come. They say ,”Time heals all wounds,” but I don’t think you ever get over missing your mom. Big hugs, Mia. ❤️
Thank you for this beautiful emotion filled post. I am so glad you were able to see the ground squirrels this year, despite those tears.
I have tears as I read this blog. I am glad you had time with your mother and time with the ground squirrels last week. Nature is very healing. I can’t imagine how thin you must be, you were small to start with! Sending healing, fattening thoughts your way.
When we celebrate. Pioneer day next week, I will think of you, Mia McPherson. You have, I think, been a pioneer for most of your life. You have lived your life as many women (and men) wish they could but are too afraid to try. I am thankful for your example of what it is to believe in yourself and to work to support those you love.