Trolley Square

My daughter suggested that we visit Trolley Square. I, too, had thought about the importance of returning to the square, not only out of respect to those who died there, but to give support to those who are still living there, i.e., running a business and moving on with their lives.

It has been 2 weeks since, for unknown reasons, an 18-year-old boy entered Trolley Square and shot 9 people, killing 5 in the process. The reasons will most likely never be known.

When we pulled in the parking lot on Saturday night, it was packed. I don't remember seeing that many cars there in a long, long time. I suspect other people were there for the same reasons we were: to pay our respects in a small way and to just "be there".

When we entered through the north doors, immediately I recognized the store, "Cabin Fever" where 4 of the 5 victims died. We passed by and went to the south part of the mall, where a fountain and makeshift shrine was located. There were hundreds of cards, messages, flowers, candles, poems, scriptures, drawings, plants, etc., all in a small, simple way expressing sorrow at the loss of 5 innocent people. Some flowers were old, others fresh that day. Some cards were brief, either saying a few small words or nothing, while some were lengthy and filled with words of despair, hope, sorrow. Little children had hand-written notes and drew pictures, as a way of expressing their sadness. It was very moving.

After taking our time to see this outpouring of love, we shopped through the mall, and eventually made it to "Cabin Fever". This is a fun store which features cards of all tastes and novelty items. It is easy to see why a crowd of people would have been in there that night, shortly before Valentine's Day. It made me feel sad to enter the store, yet I was determined to be there and to make a purchase to show my support to the proprietor. As I paid for my few, small purchases, I told him that I felt the need to be there and support him, and asked if he was doing okay. He said that he has been overwhelmed with the love and support he has received from the community, and he thanked me for "stopping in". I wished I could have hugged him, but felt that the purchase and words were suffice to say, "I care".

It was a surreal experience. I am glad that I went a bit outside of my comfort zone to again return to one of my favorite malls. I am thankful that there were people from all persuasions there to support the storekeepers and others and to show that life truly does go on.

The Birds

I never thought I'd be interested in birds. I'm still not. However, with that said, I have had a brief moment in my life where I have witnessed some pretty incredible sights while walking.

Along the Provo River Trail, there are some tall, old trees that border the river. These trees have become a resting spot for the Bald Eagle. Sometimes not only one, but two, three, or four at a time (the most we've seen in 2006-2007). A few years ago, we saw 14+ at one time in the trees. It was truly a remarkable site. They are beautiful, majestic birds, and it is always amazing to watch them. They are only there during the winter months, and it seems that the colder the weather, the better chance you have of seeing them.

Not long ago as we were walking, there was one bald eagle in the tree that had no doubt swept up a duck who was swimming along the river below. He had the duck tucked up under his wing, and I think the duck may have still been alive. It was remarkable to see this, and I'm not sure that we'll see something like it again. I'm sure that the duck wasn't around long, because the eagle had a hold of him and was clearly in charge of the situation.

Another time when we were walking, a large bird flew from a tree above us to across the river. It was a Great Horned Owl. We obviously spooked him as we walked, and I suppose we were as surprised to see him as he was to see us. Again, a very beautiful bird. Oft times when we have passed that spot, I have looked again for the owl, but have never been lucky enough to see the Great Horned Owl since that one day. I suspect we were lucky to see him.

One day we were walking at another spot along the trail. Not more than 10-20 feet in front of us, two quail came out of the brush and onto the trail, followed by their tiny newborn quail, all in a row rapidly behind them. I know that I was again lucky to see such a sight. The adults quickly departed the trail to the other side, with the tiny newborns right behind them. It melted my heart to see this precious little family unit on the trail.

We have seen beautiful ducks throughout our walks, some very common, and some not so common. Unfortunately, I am not able to identify the different varieties, but know that I am lucky to see these different birds in their natural environment. I sometimes feel like I am infringing upon their territory (which I am), but thus far we have all "gotten along" and each seems to be aware of the other.