The chimpanzees had a really great day today and we have some awesome new photos and video, but I felt the need to first share some of my thoughts for the day before I sort through the photos tomorrow – bear with me.
At the risk of giving away too much info to my fellow caregivers, I have to confess that I like to clean the front rooms in the morning. For some reason it’s very meditative for me – the spraying, the scrubbing, the rinsing, and the squeegeeing allow my mind to slow down a bit and contemplate stuff. This morning there were two main places where my mind went.
The first place was gratitude – overwhelming gratitude.
It probably began when I opened up a package for the chimpanzees from an old friend on the way to the chimp house this morning. Included in the package was a card with an outpouring of support and well-wishes.
When I was cleaning the front rooms I started to think about all of the donations that we’ve received. Virtually every toy you see in the photos and videos on this blog, every blanket, every sheet, and the majority of the food the chimps eat every day has been donated. Even the labor to create and beautify the building was donated. Even before the chimpanzees arrived, individuals were sending care packages with stuffed animals, toys and bedding for the chimps; fellow sanctuaries have donated excess enrichment, and their interns have made dried fruit and cereal necklaces (a huge hit, as you can imagine); blog readers have had a blast shopping on Target and quickly bought nearly every item on our wish list; and then there’s the financial donations – we’re still a small organization in terms of numbers of supporters. I can’t tell you how much each and every dollar is appreciated. And all of that doesn’t even cover the letters, phone calls and blog comments – the kind and supportive words from old and new friends.
Thinking about all of this generosity made me realize I am really behind in thanking people! So here’s my public apology to everyone who I haven’t personally thanked – please know you are appreciated every single day!!
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My second big “cleaning meditation thought” was on the number seven. I’ve never been into numerology, but there’s something about the number seven, and I just love that people have picked up on the name the Cle Elum Seven (the name came from Lauren Walton of the Kittitas County Historical Museum, and I liked it so much I began using it right away).
When I was thinking about all of the new generous friends that the chimpanzees have, I thought about how few people knew about them prior to this point in their lives. It’s sad to think that only a handful of people knew these individuals, and they only knew them in the context of a laboratory or the entertainment stage.
They deserve to be known, and I want everyone to share a connection with them and learn about their personalities, their pasts and their new sanctuary lives. Hw many people are now connected to Annie, Burrito, Foxie, Jamie, Jody, Missy, and Negra? And how can we all make sure more and more people learn about them? And these questions lead me to my next post …. – Diana
Kindree says
Your apologies are gracious, your gratitude is welcome, AND you needn’t worry for a second that any of us feel cheated by you…
The ability to give so tangibly and personally to these seven lovable individuals–who could not be more deserving and who we could not have known without your compassion and commitment–is gift and thanks enough. It’s worth every second, every penny, every word, and more.
Thank YOU for giving us the opportunity to know the Cle Elum Seven and to give of ourselves in some small way. Speaking for myself, it is a joyous relief to have this outlet for my compassion for the world’s creatures, for all of the innocent victims of human behavior, and for chimpanzees in particular; this time it’s not just an annual donation to my favorite charities; this time it’s real, it’s personal, I can see and feel and read about the positive impact that I am having; this time the rewards are exponentially greater.
Thank you for writing and sharing some of the human experience that is happening out there under the Cle Elum sun. And for inspiring me to share some of mine.
Diana says
Thanks, Kindree. I guess it’s not just chimpanzees who can make my day – this comment did it for me today, maybe even for the week 🙂
Jeani Goodrich says
Diana,
What a blessing you are for those of us who live for news and photos about “the 7”. My day is not complete until I have read about the new adventures of the day. It still astounds me that people could confine these wonderful creatures and not love them for who they are. I am so glad to hear you are making a photo album for them so they can also see who their friends are across the country. Photos will be coming soon. Also, what a great idea to email 7 people with photos and stories. I have told people and directed them to the website but not sent pictures. That is changing.
Keep those meditations going. They are getting all of us thinking.
Diana Armbrust says
Diana,
My sentiments are much like Kindree’s. I read and watch everyday, and it’s definitely a highlight of my day. Please don’t ever feel you are overdue on thanks to anyone. I’m sure I speak for many in expressing my gratitude to you for all you are doing for the Cle Elum “Magnifient” Seven! You, J.B., Sarah, Keith and everyone directly involved are who are owed the thanks – everyday! So, thank you, thank you, thank you! At the end of your day (doesn’t seem like it ever ends) when you are writing to us I hope you feel the synergy you are creating and know our hearts are right there with you.