This is Digby Pancake. When was the last time that you had a visitor? When was the last time that you visited someone? It’s probably been awhile, I know. A lot of people are getting pretty lonely.

I was thinking about that and how our family takes it for granted we move our house and we are in a new spot all the time with different things to see.

And different animals to visit.

And we feel happy we get to meet so many of them. Even if for a short while. I used to take visits for granted.

When I could visit our Granny Person and Gandma and Gandpa every day, it was nice.

We didn’t have to work at conversations or to entertain each other.

Isn’t that how it is with family and true friends?

So this weekend, when two little birds decided to visit our campsite every day, our first reaction was to bark at them. But I knew we were really visiting them. We had to be polite as guests.

And it made me remember when we used to visit family. We are going to make these little birds our family. No. They won’t even be still long enough to get their picture together. So it is apparent that two little birds and two big dogs have a lot to learn about each other for the next week and a half. I know it.

I’m looking forward to it.

Some look for friends that look the same as they do. And I suppose it’s easier that way. But what if you just stopped looking at appearances?

What if you simply watched others living? Enjoying life like you do? Wouldn’t you realize we are all very alike no matter our appearance or titles?

We all have many of the same concerns. Especially now. And we especially need each other now.

Two little birds and two big dogs like me and Brickle may not have grown up together. But how we can learn from each other!

How we can visit and enjoy each other!

How we can show empathy and love and respect is a beautiful thing.

If you are feeling lonely, take a look outside. See a bird or a squirrel or a butterfly. Talk to an ant or a roach or a moth. Tell them about you. Ask about them. And learn.

We have all had to make adjustments. But perhaps seeing that the world doesn’t revolve around just us will give us pause. Pause to visit. To learn. To love.

–Digby Pancake

Learn now how to make stick bread over the campfire! New video!