There are a number of well known animals here, but two reached far beyond the boundaries of the farm to touch the hearts and brush the souls of many people, all over the world. Rose was one, and Simon is the other. I believe that animals enter our lives when they are needed, and leave when they are done.

Rose’s impact on my life is well documented, Simon’s is, in many ways, just beginning. He is the spirit of Christmas for me, here at the farm. Many people worship Jesus Christ at Christmas, many celebrate his good heart and spirit. I have never been opened up as deeply and powerfully by an animal as I was by Simon. He is the spirit of Christmas to me for many reasons. He was lost and was recovered. He has a good and strong heart, and struggled to live. He speaks to me of the poorest among us, and of our sacred call to think of them and reach out to them in a spirit of compassion and acceptance.

Animals are often symbols, and are often used that way, one of their most powerful attributes. Simon loves his life. He loves Maria and me, he loves food of all kinds, he loves Lulu and Fanny, he loves the chickens and the barn cats, he is coming to love the dogs. After I finish the Frieda book, I will undertake a book on Simon, and on the many elements relating to compassion and mercy that swirl around his life.

He is the spirit of Christmas for me. He calls me to continue to be open to life and experience, to be merciful, to be generous, to give thanks for my life, every day of it.