Lessons from a Ghost Crab

Two days ago I sat on the beach and watched a ghost crab at the water’s edge digging a burrow. I warned him that oil would be on the beach soon, to run up into the dunes and live there. But he would have none of it. I took video of him and photographed him, all the while trying to persuade him to move.

As I sat there I realized there is a need for all of us to bear witness to the death that results from the oil spill/flow. One of the most difficult things we can do is force ourselves to view footage of birds covered in oil, dead animals on the beach. Who wants to see such heart-wrenching images? But if these animals die in vain, if there is nobody to witness their suffering and pain, their death will be meaningless.

Let us honor these beautiful, innocent creatures by bearing witness to their plight. And then, may we join together and create the change that must be made if we are to leave a world of beauty and wonder for our children, grandchildren and generations to come.