It was almost dark when I stepped outside to put down some food for the birds to eat the next day. I saw something moving very slow, the thing that came to mind was skunk. I said," Oh, no, not again." and started to run away.

It was only a year ago my dog Jasmine had a very unpleasant skunk experience. I guess she got too close with her snooping nose. Whatever the dog was selling, the skunk wasn't buying, so he got pe'od I suppose.

But I soon found out, to my delight it was a possum visiting my feeding site, when I first saw her, I thought, "That is one big possum, and that's a fact." But when she stopped walking, four little babies climbed off her back.

I ran in the house and got a light, ran back out, and to my suprise, they were still there. They were so cute I wanted to name them, with their big eyes, pink nose, and soft gray hair.

Once I put the food down, it became their territory, so I guess I was the intruder. I feed racoons, birds, squirrels, and rabbits, but I think I like the possum better, I think they're cuter.

Mother Nature has a way of providing for her own, and I like to think I play a part. I am glad the possum brought her little ones to visit me, it was truly a treat, and they will always have a little warm home inside my heart.

Juanita Nunn

2002