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As I immersed myself in the tranquil act of bird-feeding, a scene unfolded before me. A group appeared in the distance—two men and another trailing behind. Roughly 200 yards away, a couple strolled, seemingly immersed in the beauty of nature. Suddenly, a pause—a moment of connection. The couple reached into their pockets, pulled out food, and offered it to a creature that seemed insignificant yet precious—a mouse. Laughter echoed, and the interaction between humans and this tiny being felt pure and heartwarming.

This incident, against the backdrop of my simple act of feeding birds, spoke to me on various levels. It was a reminder of the beauty in the smallest gestures and the harmony that can exist between humans and nature. My mind wandered to my own journey of growth and transformation. Years ago, if you had known me, you might not have envisioned me in this peaceful act. Growth, as I’ve come to understand, takes various forms, and I acknowledge and apologize for any harm caused in my own growth process. Even when I thought someone deserved it, I now realize the folly of my actions.

As I continued to observe, the initial group exuded happiness and contentment, and I couldn’t help but absorb the positive vibes that emanated from their interaction with the natural world. Nature, after all, has a unique way of bringing people together, transcending differences and fostering joy.

Enter the second group—a trio with a noticeable dynamic. Two men walked closely together, seemingly united, while the third trailed behind. It hinted at a work-related association, and the dynamics spoke volumes about how people treat each other in their daily lives. The third man appeared to be at an advantage based on his stature, but interactions seem to show that he withheld his strength.

As the groups converged, tension escalated. Words were exchanged, fingers pointed, and the atmosphere became charged. A passing red truck momentarily diverted attention, triggering laughter and jesting from the two men. Amidst the mirth, an unsettling word—’murderer’—was spoken between the two. The trailing man did not seem to take that interaction well. His demeanor shifted instantly—distraught, shoulders hunched, and an inexplicable heaviness enveloped him.

Then came a moment of sheer transcendence. It was as if an unseen force lifted off him—an entity, dark and heavy, dissipated. A profound silence descended, and in that quietude, I could almost hear the man’s inner voice. You could physically see him fighting off the fact he wanted to let the others know with force that he did not agree with their actions. Instead his words, a prayer to our father, God, and the great Ra and all the ancestors who had walked this earth before. A plea for strength, guidance, and the wisdom not to act wrongly. A plea to preserve his job, for the sake of his family, over a seemingly insignificant creature.

In conclusion, this chance encounter in the park left me with a tapestry of reflections—on the fragility of life, the power of prayer, and the need for compassion in our interactions. As we approach Thanksgiving, let’s not merely partake in the rituals but delve into the essence of gratitude and compassion, extending it beyond cultural boundaries. May this tale be a gentle reminder of our shared humanity and the collective responsibility we bear toward each other and the world we inhabit.