Finding a Bee Who Inspired Me

I found a Bee in my yard with a damaged wing one day.

Day One

I offered her a bee home I had, I feed her and she would not leave my hand for some time. I let her settle in my garden to rest eventually, wondering if she would be there the next day.

Well she surprised me, and she found me the next day! She spooked me by climbing up my leg, buzzing at me loudly and circling when I got her in my hand. She just knew it was me and climbed right up to demand a snack. It was just amazing! I was far from where I had left her and she wasn’t able to fly.

We spent some time together laying in my yard, napping on my shoulders taking some sun with me. I would bring her in for a snack of honey water once in a while.

My spice garden has been a hot spot for caterpillars and other critters and is always full of fun for me.

It was such a exciting change of pace for me, since I was struggling with Type One Diabetes, renal failure from it, and subsequent Dialysis, illness and appointments.

During all this I got to see how she communicated, moved, ate, reacted to me, and napped (oh so adorable).

I know how intelligent they are, and how complex their communication can be. It was so fascinating, I just wanted to know more about her and help her.

Common Eastern Bumble Bee: Photo by Patrick Randall

One day I went for a dog walk with Milo (my dog) and her. As I neared a park in my neighbourhood, she suddenly buzzed loudly and leapt from my hand! I was shocked as watched her dart into the grass. I even tried to find to no avail. She had disappeared…

The park was full of clover and other bees, so I hoped she would be ok and her nest was near. I went back to look for her in the evening with a bit of honey, but she was no where to be found.

I was in the process of treating kidney failure from Type One Diabetes, I’d been diagnosed when I was eight.

Dialysis for 10 hours a day, struggling to find work or do most things. I really only managed to take care of my home, family and my dialysis care during this time. I was blessed to have a wonderful husband and family to help me.

I wanted to draw for the first time in a long time. Thinking of art, Fashion/Graphic Design. all the work I had to stop while I was waiting for surgery.

I worried I wouldn’t be able to do anything I use to love anymore. I had to make it though two organ transplants and any complications. I had very little idea what life after would look like.

After our encounter I started drawing again and I wanted to produce something with her image.