The little coon that lived in the big oak tree

Several weeks ago Leah and I happened upon a baby coon at the Chalmette Battlefield Park. Standing on the edge of the road and hissing at us, the tiny little thing, no much bigger than my hand, stood there as if waiting for someone. On our way back, he was still on the same spot, but now its little legs were curled up against his shaking body. I wondered whether he was alone and I left the park that evening hoping his mommy would soon find him.

I went back to the park the next day and there I spotted him, walking among the headstones; so tiny, it was hard to see him. I went back a third time to look for him and I saw him climbing a beautiful big oak tree, and the following day he was sleeping on a large branch in the big oak tree. I realized then that he was alone.

For the next few days and weeks I took it upon myself to deliver evening meals for the little coon that lived in the big oak tree. I left fruits, dog food in small zip-lock bags, and a couple of times I left him part of my Cliff bar. I also spoke with one of the park rangers and he provided a small bucket of water for the little coon that lived in the big oak tree.

During my early morning runs I would stop by the tree to collect the empty zip-lock bag, and as if a “please refill” note was attached, I would bring him another small bag of food the following day. It seems silly to say, but I grew attached to the little coon and looked for a brief glimpse of him on my early runs through the park.

Recently, the park has felt empty and although I have looked for him, he is no longer in the big oak tree. I don’t know much about raccoons, but after almost three months, maybe he is now an adult and has ventured outside the park on his own. I hope no one hurts him. I hope he can find food, and I hope he is tucked away safely somewhere in a beautiful big oak tree.

Please God watch over the little and big creatures of our world.