I have been following the progress of the little black bear cubs that have been rescued by the Appalachian Bear Rescue group.

This organization seems is very savvy about getting the cubs back on their feet and well enough to be released back where they belong - into the wild.

With the food supply being so very thin this season, they have been inundated with cubs. An almost-year-old cub should now weigh over 50 pounds. The last few that were brought in weighed less than half that amount.

I have been sharing pictures and updates with my grand children, Eden and Justice. I want them to grow up with a sense of responsibility for all things wild, especially bears, of course!

Last week, two little female cubs were brought in. All cubs are tagged and named. These two were given the names: Star and Joy.

Star, like many cubs, has a star (white blaze) on her chest.

Justice wanted to know how she got that marking. I could have told him a biological fact, but instead I decided to tell him one of my stories on how things came to be.

Many, many moons ago, our Creator, with chin in hand, sat contemplating what creature He could make next for Mother Earth.

Into the mixing pot went a scoop of clay, a measure of stardust, a streak of lightening, a clap of thunder, a passing cloud, and just enough rainwater to hold everything together.

Set to dry in the warm sunshine, the Creator fondly looked at His new creation. “My, my, what a perfect creature you are. I am pleased, but you will need time to grow big and strong and learn the ways of Mother Earth. You will also need furry coats of different colors to help you survive and blend in with your surroundings. And, you will need a name. A name that shall be revered by all other creatures in your realm.” With a smile, the Creator said, “I shall call you, Bear.”

Lots of rumbly, tumbly bear cubs were born that day. Some were given coats of white, while others donned coats of rust, shades of brown, or black, and just for fun, there was one that was given a coat of black and white.

Just as the Creator was about to send all of the bears on their way, He noticed the last and smallest black bear cub in line had a small tear in his new coat, just under his chin. “Come to me, my scrappy little bear.”, said the Creator.

Borrowing a star from Ursa Major, the Creator mended the tear in the little black bear's coat. “Now there, my favorite little one.”, He said. “Finding you and those that come after you, will be easy. But know, the Universe is a vast place, and though I will always be with you, I may not be able to get to you in time, should you again get into trouble.

So, I shall send guardians along to look after and care for you. Do not fear these human guardians. They will know your wild ways.

I will guide their hands, their minds, and their hearts. Sometimes there will be heartache and tears, but with their help, you will grow to be big, strong and magnificent, just as I have planned.”

Then, with a smile and a big bear hug for each and every one, the Creator sent the little cubs tumbling down into the loving, waiting arms of Mother Earth.

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