RABBITS in my Universe

I remember looking up at the moon when I was a child.  All I saw was a hilarious cartoon rabbit running as if something was chasing it, arching its back to escape.   I never saw the man in the moon, and no one had ever mentioned the “bunny.”  One day, at the risk of sounding crazy, I took a chance and told my sister about the “rabbit.” I think I was only 7 years old. To my surprise and joy, she said, “I do, too.” I always wondered why that moment with my sister was so impactful for me. Why it was a memory out of all of them that stood the test of time clear as the day it happened. Now, I realize it was because I was validated and it was one of the first times that i can remember that. Not only from anyone but from my sister, the person I looked up to.  It allowed me to see what I saw even though it was different from everyone else.

Looking back, I think it made me realize that just because people don’t talk about it doesn’t mean that others dont’ think the same things you are thinking sometimes. And to never fear having a voice.Not everyone has the validation at a young age that I got that day. In fact, the smartest kids think things and have no validation for their thoughts at all because they probably don’t even say them. Some are just too embarrassed or uncertain to say anything.

FORTUNATELY, AND UNFORTUNATELY FOR THE RARE FEW… I’v always had to say it just like it is. I’ve had to kick my shoe off and pull down my sock in church to scratch my foot when it was itching..and t_____hrow my brag off when it was getting to tight - what I call unleashing the hounds. \At the same tiem, that sam unbridlded personality will be the first to hold myself highly accountable and be disappointed with myself even when no one else is.

I have found that the more I tell people how I feel, the more people I find that return the same. To this day, I see that same image on the moon every time I look up at the night sky, and it makes me happy. And my sister and I hover on teh pone sometimes for hours. My husband will walk in and start talking to me whil eim’ ion the kitchen adn my sister will chime in about half way thorugh our conveasation ‘Hi Chris…at fist it was awkward to him but now to my son and hsuband.having austin aor my dad on my phone at all times i scommonplace.. who are you talknign to and it is dead silent and i’m like my siers,,and she will chime in hi chris…He thinks it is crazy..he can’t understand the quiet validation of a silent line. The feeling that your friend is with you always in every moment whether it be slicing an onion or picking up your kid from school. we cal it the 3 o cclock call because whenver i pick my kid up form school at 3:00..my sister is always on teh line with me to greet him as he enters the car…it is cmmoplace and a standar in my son’s life and i love it!

In my mid-40s, I had a memorable moment with a rabbit.  My mother had just passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.  As I pulled out of the driveway, I noticed a bunny sitting there, staring at me.  It wasn’t afraid of me or my car and resolutely blocked my way.  It felt as though it was saying, “You aren’t going anywhere until you hear me.” At first, I couldn’t understand why this bunny wouldn’t budge.  Then my mind wondered -could this maybe be my mom sending me a sign?  Maybe she wanted me to know she was at peace and that I should be happy, persevere, and keep moving on.  It sounded ridiculous, but just in that moment, the bunny hopped away as if to say, “Good, you got my message.”  I figured that even if all of this was absurd and far-fetched, that the narrative would help me get through the day and the years to follow. And it has- It has given me a sense of peace.

 My most recent run-in with a rabbit came at another pivotal point in my life.  After 20 years of working at the same company, my position was eliminated - Kaput!.  In an instant, the trajectory of my life changed.  Stunned, a bit scared, and uncertain of what was ahead, I went to the beach to be with my family.  When I pulled into the driveway, there was a rabbit.  It looked strikingly similar to the one I had seen on the day my mom passed.  It kept coming around.  I began to wonder – is this rabbit trying to tell me something again, or was this just a coincidence? 

On a whim, I pulled out my laptop and looked up what rabbits symbolize. Sure enough, I discovered that rabbits symbolize rebirth, the potential for growth and creation.  In the spiritual world, they are said to remind us not to be afraid.  When a rabbit crosses your path, it is believed to signify a new chapter, bringing luck and abundance ahead.  I reflected a lot that week and realized I could let my circumstances defeat me or I could listen to the messages of the rabbit. I chose to embrace growth and evolve without fear. That decision gave me the courage to write this book.

The rabbits in my universe seems to have been more than just coincidences to me. They’ve been messengers, guiding me at times when I needed it.  Their presence has reminded me to trust the journey, embrace change, and believe in the power of new beginnings. So, of course, my main character had to be none other than a RABBIT. And, my logo, a BUNNY in the MOON.