Tshwalo-2012
Tshwalo-2013
Tshwalo On a Walk-2013
Today marks 1 year since Tshwalo, the first baby I cared for in
2012, passed away. Remembering him on this solemn day has brought along many
different kinds of emotions. Of course, the obvious is sadness. Having him no
longer with us is upsetting and I know I'm not alone in saying I wish we could
have done more but now my feeling changes to happiness when I think that he is
no longer living in the pain that he suffered with for far too long. Then as my
thoughts shuffle through all my memories that I had with him I am left full of
gratitude. From the moment I laid eyes on him it was as if my heart grew. That
little guy, who later was anything but a little guy, changed my life. Many
would argue that he is just an animal. They wonder how could an animal have such
an affect on someone, well those are the people I can't help but feel sympathy
for. Missing such a chance to know an animal in that way is heartbreaking and I
feel ever blessed to have gotten the opportunity. Although he didn't know it
Tshwalo taught me patience. Trying to figure out what's wrong as he
continuously cried or when he wouldn't budge an inch as I tried to get him back
in his room. He taught me understanding that things sometimes happen out of
your control and you must take a deep breath and handle the situation calmly.
Understanding that he, as well as most creatures on this earth also have bad
moods, especially when they don't feel good. (Which also brings up the fact
that he taught me how to take a hard hit in the shins. Geez was that booger
strong.) He gave me a more in-tune clarity of the creatures of the world. It's
now clear to me that unlike humans, with their guns and technology, animals,
especially rhinos are very vulnerable. Sure, rhinos have huge horns and are
stronger than you would believe, but behind all that is just a little baby who
yearns for a cuddle and to know they are safe. (Unfortunately, they do not have
that luxury and at the orphanage we try our very best to fill that void.) But
overall they are just like human babies, dependent and just searching for
comfort and love. Love...something else I learned from him. This guy started it all. I would not be
here in South Africa surrounded by these truly remarkable rhinos if it weren't
for him. He showed true unconditional love. As a baby he would cry and cry
until I would finally lie down next to him when he would then lay his head on
my lap, finally finding sleep. Or when he was older and we would go on walks.
If something startled him he would run as fast as he could back to me,
searching for protection. Although I looked different than him and couldn't
give him everything his mother could he showed me so much love. And oh man did
I love him back. All the playtime,
the cuddling, feeding, even with all the hitting and bashing I couldn't help
but to fall hard for him. His spunky and sweet personality ignited a flame in
me that has now turned into a full out blaze to try and help save others like
him. Rhinos are full of love and the brutality of their murders is undeserved.
They may not be as intelligent as an elephant or as majestic as a lion, but
they are worth saving. Tshwalo taught me that. He helped me find my passion and
what I feel is what I am meant to do. I'm not sure exactly where I would be if
it weren't for him. I am reminded of him daily, whether it's from my cover
photo on Facebook or background on all my technology, which I just can't seem
to bring myself to change. The tattoo on my wrist I got in honor of him is a
constant reminder as well as walking around where I once spend hours on hours
with him. I am honored to have gotten the chance to
cherish him. On this day and everyday, Tshwalo, who unexpectedly changed my
life, will never be forgotten.
Fun stories to come!
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