Shine On—The Jacaranda Story

Their tiny voices cry instinctively for her, but the gentleness of sanctuary life softens that memory. Here, kindness fills the hollow and as friendships quietly take root. But then there are the Jacarandas.

These lambs knew their mumma’s tender love. They were licked clean by her soft tongue, held warm against her body and soothed by her scent. She knew them, and they knew her. Like the yin and yang of Velcro, they clung close. Wandering only as far as a butterfly or bounding playmate might tempt, yet always returning when nurture called or nourishment beckoned.

This, this is mother-child love in its purest form.

No one can say exactly how such a bond breaks; however, there are suspects. Death, injury, illness, a hurried paddock move or an unforgiving season. And for Jacaranda, it broke all the same and the ache was hers to bear.

For days, perhaps weeks, she wandered and she wanted. Searching for the mumma she would never see again. The pastures promised nourishment, but parasites turned that promise into harm. Hunger and worms swelled her belly, as her ribs showed through her fleece, and all Jacaranda’s spirit could do was dim. Dark green scours caked and drained her, and sicker still she became.

Perhaps this is why she bravely went in search of something more and made it to the roadside, cold, hungry and forlorn.

But this is where kindness found her.

And soon, she found sanctuary.

“These ones really break our hearts,” we often sigh. They are the little-big girls and boys, trying so hard to be brave, pretending they don’t need us. But oh, how deeply they do.

By the time they find us, the instinct to suckle is gone. Yet their hunger still gnaws. Their velvety lips flail as their delicate mouths still search for the milk they no longer know how to drink. Jacaranda chewed her way through countless bottle teats as milk dribbled down her chin. She wanted that treasure but could no longer remember the way.

“Hold still, little lovely,” we whispered. “We’ll help you find a way.”

And we did.

Jacaranda trees bloom in spring with brilliant purple flowers. They are resilient, luminous and unforgettable. No name could fit this sweet lamb better. Now, as winter has loosened its grip, Jacaranda, too, has bloomed. This precious lamb with snow-white curls stands strong and shines with joy sparking where once was only despair.

She is living proof of hope and healing—a tender reminder that beauty returns after hardship. And Jacaranda leaves us with this truth: no matter the winter we weather, to always, always, shine on.