And the elephant sings deep in the forest-maze About a star of deathless and painless peace But no astronomer can find where it is. - Ted Hughes

A miracle happened a couple of days ago. Kevaan was an isolated elephant who had spent his entire life languishing inside a Pakistani zoo - often in chains. That all changed with an act of compassion from Cher and a years long campaign by animal rights activists who wanted to free this poor, lonely elephant.

I think Cher and the activists understand at a very basic level that all creation reflects the Divine essence - this lovely pattern which unites all living creatures and every grain of sand. The author of a book about Modoc, an amazing elephant puts it very well:

“Remember, the moon is reflected in one drop of water as it is the entire ocean-so it is with God. He is reflected in each living thing-in a grain of sand as the entire shore, one star as the whole universe. Each animal as in all creatures.”

― Ralph Helfer, Modoc: The True Story of the Greatest Elephant That Ever Lived

Kaavan, became known as “the world’s loneliest elephant” after his partner, who lived with him, died in 2012. Kevaan spent 35 years in captivity — and in shackles — at Islamabad’s Marghazar Zoo.

Finally Kevaan is free.

Cher was with the elephant in Pakistan as he was loaded onto a plane for the 7 hour journey to Cambodia. She sang the hopeful lyrics from the “Cinderella” ballad “A dream is a wish your heart makes.”

A dream is a wish your heart makes

When you're fast asleep

In dreams you will lose your heartaches

Whatever you wish for, you keep

Have faith in your dreams and someday

Your rainbow will come smiling through

No matter how your heart is grieving

If you keep on believing

The dream that you wish will come true

Freeing Kaavan has been no simple task. Those close to the animal spent weeks training him to calmly enter and exit the custom-built crate designed to transport him. The Asian elephant’s trainers now know that music soothes his anxiety — something Cher has been happy to help with.

Despite initial concerns for the animal’s welfare, Amir Khalil, a veterinarian working at Four Paws, said Kaavan did not appear to be stressed during the seven-hour flight to his new home in Cambodia.

At the Cambodian Wildlife Sanctuary, a “juicy fruitcake” and “welcoming committee” await — along with female neighbors who are expected to keep him company as he begins a new chapter in an environment where he’ll be safe and free to roam.

If elephants didn't exist, you couldn't invent one. They belong to a small group of living things so unlikely they challenge credulity and common sense.

Lyall Watson

Elephants are social animals and a solitary lifestyle can lead to boredom and behavioral problems. Following the death of Saheli, Kaavan’s zoo partner, his mental and physical health deteriorated.

I think we can relate to Kevaan's plight and our personal loneliness as we look back on 2020. Sheltering in place, maintaining distance and wearing masks is a real challenge. Without hugs or a kiss of peace we suffer.

But we have hope don't we! I can hardly wait to celebrate together.

And Elephants, like us, love reunions. "They recognize one another after years and years of separation and greet each other with wild, boisterous joy. There's bellowing and trumpeting, ear flapping and rubbing. Trunks entwine."

- Jennifer Richard Jacobson

May we greet each other with the same boisterous joy when we meet again!

Final word (love this quote)

"Would you rather be an elephant or an alligator?

I should want to be an elephant because they have very large ears but very small mouths. Alligators have small ears but large mouths. Anyone who wants to succeed – should strive to be an elephant, not an alligator.

POEM

The Elephant

by Annette Wynne

The elephant is very large

And clumsy as a wooden barge,

With legs like tree-trunks, yet he's mild

And gentle as a little child.

The elephant walks far away

And sees strange children in their play,

And carries logs and iron bars

As easily as motor-cars.

The elephant's a great big beast—

Not beautiful, but good, at least,

Strong as a tree, but withal mild

And gentle as a little child.

SONGS

Cher - Song For The Lonely

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmL-d5SGgeg

Simon & Garfunkel : El Condor Pasa

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pey29CLID3I

Tim McGraw - Humble And Kind

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awzNHuGqoMc

Dana Couey & Doug Harmon recordings available to us

Through the love and generosity of Doug Harman, he has made these recordings available to us for our personal use - and for our celebrations.

We thank Doug for his generosity in sharing these songs which feature his beloved Dana Couey and his son James.

Library: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cXZR4tVibvqq3Iic8s5ozKA0W4O_1Ub8

Each folder in this library contains at least 10 songs. We will use these beautiful recordings in our future liturgies but also want to make them available for your listening pleasure at any time.

1. Advent Songs: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19JQYOKWZv_MS4R5S4fIq_AvU91k0LQv7

2. Christmas Songs: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1dLgYM46g2inaehFPkpBhdtAkTNT6Z3hk

3. How Can I Keep from Singing: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1giGvu3KWFM1sC4P2dHvPQ7kUyw-Y8n5u

4. Serenades: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1gw_rif9qg9rgG_oXpD69vyW6vDeeeBmH

5. Show Forth Gospel: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZgAv0oGmFqOxEgr0bFB5q1MzrdiCmmD3

6. DeColores, etc.: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11opQ4m9hUe8lwIzKf-YnY2KTyB5UzUi-

7. Sea Shell: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1uqfCFwxgra39GIAUP7PJ090riXSoM8Aw

8. Show Forth the Glory: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1eh1UdE3zS0vXExYC-Jwnmx8ZIkOdN37F