One of the enchanting beliefs of the Hmong people is that babies come down from the clouds. Who of us, at one time or another, have not wondered “where” we came from, and “where” we are going at the end? Beyond the obvious biological issues, we search for answers on higher ground. We seek to know why we are here, in a spiritual sense. Like the Hmong, who are afraid that their babies will be snatched back by the “dabs” (spirits), we wonder when life may suddenly cease.

“Mommy, where do babies come from?” Out of the mouth of a four year old, we vaguely answer. Kids find out the mechanics of such things, soon enough. I think that this photo, taken by my son, who is “no kid” anymore, says it all. New life starts with affection, and just lolling around.

“It’s all happenin’ at the zoo. I do believe it. I do believe it’s true.” – These two tigers live in Rhode Island.

Many thanks to James and Rebecca Gorham for providing this photo and others that appear on our blog and website.

Patricia Cummings