I sometimes think of Bedlam Farm as a series of parables, sweet, sad, beautiful, and uplifting stories. One of the is unfolding every day; it’s the story of Maria And The Three Lambs – Scott, Merricat, and Constance.

The lambs came to us a few months ago; they are spirited, affectionate, full of personality. They have reinvigorated our flock and renewed our commitment to having sheep on Bedlam Farm.

They were all thinking when they came; we were worried about them.  So was Liz, who brought them to us.

They are not thin any longer. This morning, it was a brittle 15 degrees out in the barn.

Maria went outside with me to bring hay out to the donkeys and sheep. After the hay was in the feeders, Maria walked into the Pole Barn and opened up one of the old cow stalls.

Merricat and Scott came rushing in. “Constance may come in in a minute,” Maria said, “she usually does.” And she did. Maria talks to the lambs, welcomes them, scratches their backs or the tops of their heads.

The other sheep start to come over, and Maria says quietly, “no, this isn’t for you,” and they all turn and go back to the feeders outside. I used to ask Red to do this work; Maria does it beautifully.

The sheep know her, love her, trust her.

They all seem to grasp what she wants. The lambs all ate their grain in the pan Maria put out in the stall. Clearly, this is one of her most beloved rituals of the day.

It was certainly beautiful for me to watch. Stories like this are why I love the farm, why I came here years ago, why I belong here. This is a story of love and patience, and commitment.

The lambs are healthy, spirited, and full of themselves. Maria loves seeing the lambs eat their grain, even as she softly scolds them if they get too excited.

This is one of the reasons I love her so much. She brings love to life. I think I’ll run out and buy her some flowers.