Connecting to Nature in a Backyard - Miles Lomanno 11/29/2025

 Miles Lomanno


11/24/25

Connecting to Nature in a Backyard


My mom has had varying goals throughout her 50s: learn to play the bass, interview a musician, etc., but the one that I have seen her the most dedicated to is her desire to befriend a crow. My mom is interested in certain wiccan philosophies, the one most special to her being a respect for and connection to nature. She wanted to be a part of nature and give back to it, and the best way she thought to do so is to bond with a wild animal. Crows are as smart as a local wild animal can be, so a crow was the best bet. For nearly a year she left treats and shiny things for the crows, but with no avian buddy showing up. And then came Deb.

Deb is not a crow. Deb does not have wings or a beak. Deb does not have the intelligence of a three year old that crows are alleged to have. Deb, in fact, does not have any sign of intelligence at all. Deb will yell when she gets stuck behind the trash can. Deb has a bushy and tattered tail. Deb is a squirrel. A fat, pregnant squirrel.

To my mom’s initial dismay, my dad found Deb first. She was waiting politely on our trash can on her hind legs with her front paws in front of her like a begging dog. She was alone, and she did not run when my dad opened the door to refill the crow treats. My dad set them down, and Deb ran for a peanut and darted off before my dad was even back inside. This was the start of a beautiful family friendship.

It started slow, with Deb running increasingly less far away after grabbing the peanut, eventually leading to her grabbing the peanut right out of my dad’s hand. Then one day, my hand. Then one day, my mom’s hand. We befriended Deb, and now she doesn’t react when we open a door or get close to her.

Deb’s mate began to follow her lead, and then she gave birth. Her babies also followed her lead. They coexist with us now. My family and Deb’s walk among each other. My mom did not get the crow she wanted, but she and her (my) whole family got to be a part of nature.

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