Life has a way of presenting us with unexpected experiences, some of which are deeply challenging and even traumatic. Recently, I found myself in the middle of one of those experiences when a young buck, whom we later named Ike, died in my backyard. It was an event I could never have anticipated, and as difficult as it was to navigate, it also offered powerful lessons—most notably, the profound sense of gratitude that arose from the situation.
In the early morning hours, my neighbors showed up to help me with the overwhelming task at hand. Their kindness and support reminded me of the incredible gift of community. In moments of distress, we often find ourselves surrounded by people who care, and that simple act of showing up speaks volumes. The gratitude I felt for their presence still lingers, serving as a reminder that even in times of crisis, we are never truly alone.
Beyond the human help, I found myself entrusting Mother Nature with the process of returning Ike to the earth. With faith in the natural cycle, we left the deer out in the backyard, trusting that nature would do what she has always done—restore balance, heal, and transform. Over the course of three days, I witnessed an astonishing collaboration unfold, one that involved vultures and an alligator, all working together to complete the cycle of life. Each creature played a role in returning Ike to nature, and watching this process reminded me of the interconnectedness of all things. Nature truly comes together at every level to maintain harmony.
Interestingly, at the end of this process, I discovered that Ike's skull had been moved away from where his body had been, almost as if it were left as a gift or offering to us. The skull was remarkably clean, with only a small bit of hair remaining, a testament to the efficiency of nature's cleanup crew. In honor of the sacredness of this offering, we buried the skull in a bucket with dirt, allowing the tiniest of nature’s helpers—the microbes—to finish the job. Once the skull was entirely clean, we soaked it in hydrogen peroxide to preserve it.
I struggled for a time with the idea of what to do with Ike’s skull. The thought of displaying it on my wall felt conflicted, as though it might not honor him in the way I wanted. But after much reflection, I came to the realization that placing Ike’s skull in my workspace would be a way of honoring him. This was especially significant because my workspace is where clients come to let go and release as part of their transformation process. I felt like Ike could be a part of that, bringing the energy of transition and renewal to those who are seeking healing. By displaying his skull in this space, I am acknowledging not only his life but also the incredible lessons he imparted, even in death. It feels like a way for Ike to continue contributing to the cycles of letting go, just as he did in his final moments in my backyard.
And the lessons from Ike continue to unfold each day. His passing, while painful, was a reminder of the beauty of the life-death cycle and the importance of trusting it. In the time since, I’ve come to see how interconnected everything truly is, from the creatures who cleaned his body to the ways his energy still permeates my space. Each time I look at Ike’s skull, I am reminded of the deeper cycles of life that carry us all—whether we’re aware of it or not.
There was another stunning revelation as I worked with the skull. When I looked closer, I was struck by the intricate suture lines, the seams that held the skull together. They were absolutely beautiful—like fine artwork, with patterns and designs that seemed to carry their own story. These delicate lines, hidden beneath Ike’s flesh during his life, revealed a beauty I never could have seen before. There was art and elegance buried beneath the surface, a reminder that sometimes we only discover the hidden beauty of something after it has passed through the most difficult of transitions. Those suture lines serve as a powerful reminder of the beauty that exists in life’s hidden corners, waiting to be uncovered.
I am filled with gratitude for the lessons I’ve learned from my neighbors, from Mother Nature, and from Ike himself. His presence now holds space in my life as a quiet reminder of gratitude, trust, and the harmony that surrounds us, even in the most unexpected of times.
Thank you, Ike, for all that you have taught me—and continue to teach me.
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