Two years later, there is a white squirrel
That lives in the tall sycamore trees on the little bank across the stream
I thought I was dreaming when I saw the flash of white, and hoped it was OUR white squirrel
But it was wishful thinking
This one isn’t quite as big, or as belligerent as the prior one
We’ve seen it twice, gathering food for winter, both on the ground and spiraling up and down the trees
I watched it through my binoculars
And several times got a very good close-up look
It’s also leucistic, not albino – bright white with a solid brown tail and nose
I still can’t see the eye color, at 250 yards, even with magnification

We took a video of it and shared it with friends and family
I haven’t decided yet if I will report this one on the official white squirrel watch website (not joking)
I guess I should, as it seems that white squirrel genetics are strong here in the forested creekside back corner of my sister-in-law’s farm

Seeing another white squirrel this year makes me happy
I marvel at how its whiteness stands out against the drab yellow and brown of autumn
And I hope a hawk or other sharp-eyed predator won’t find it, when I can see it clearly from all the way up the hill
But I know that’s unlikely to happen, and just how life works

And maybe the lesson is renewal if there can’t be persistence
Life can be rare and precious
Even when it’s fleeting