I met them before I moved in. Two bucks proudly standing guard. I thought how regal. Their eloquent stature was breathtaking—what a good omen. Moving here is right.

Then they welcomed us to their home. Every time from the light of dawn to the time sleeping and when being robust. They marked their space—all twenty-seven of them.

They had no problem sharing room. Making themselves comfortable around and about a natural, alpine, and mildly wild suburban backyard. A red fox joined them the other day. All were happy. A hearty Red Hawk flies overhead and calls out a message to the deer herding below. Regularly.

Guarding their view, a magpie sits on their back. Sharing births of new ones by putting them on the stamped patio. Hosting family gatherings during holidays by strolling on the porch. Sunbathing. Sitting still in a snowstorm. Coming on deck to feed on the ivy draping over the rails in a lush green that no deer could resist. Their being in the moment is humbling. Am I in the moment?

Shyness does not come with them. The deer as a whole are social and practice inclusive ways. I take notice as I live with them. I ask the audience in me that is observing these creatures, if I can be inclusive.

Never thought I would live with deer. I have learned so much from these beings that live here twenty-four seven. I have received knowledge and have had a heart filled with joy, and my spirit of compassion grow, as well as some tug a war of too close of a neighbor they might be at times.

They have always been here. They came with the house. They were the omen that said,” it is the right move.”

But, never thought I would live with deer.