Troll Hunting…Why? How? And, The Love of Judah

Sometime last year, my principal started talking about seeing Dambo trolls on her visit to Washington state. I didn’t think much of it when she started talking, but the pictures of these artistic creations were amazing. Her whole family enjoyed the search and looked forward to seeing them.

Then, last spring I started thinking about summer travel. I found some friends who were willing to visit Acadia National Park in Maine with me, so the planning began. As phone use goes, Facebook and other apps started “planning” my trip. I learned about tourist destinations through conversations about travel, and when I wrote about summer, more areas of interest popped up. One included the trolls at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. In fact, it kept coming up.

I sent a text to my Maine traveling friends and received no comments about adding it to the already loose, somewhat unplanned itinerary. However, when we stood in Maine and saw its beauty and offerings, we all said, “Why not?” That question led us to my first five trolls.

As we took up residence in the botanical gardens, I began my observations. I can’t help that my brain constantly takes in data and spits out emotional responses. What I noticed was: all different people enjoyed the trolls and I loved how nature and people came together.

Kids were excited to look into the eyes of the friendly creations while giving them hugs, and elderly people talked about their construction, wondering how they made it into the tight spaces.

I learned the trolls attracted all varieties of people who had one common quality…kindness. “Can we take your picture for you?” “Kids get off them for a minute, so these ladies can take a picture.” “How did you go to get to this troll?” “When you get there, don’t forget to look for…”

I realized I loved my fleeting relationship with these troll seekers, and with them I felt safe. That safety was the driving force to my winter travels.

Originally I planned to go alone. I was going to fly into Asheville, rent a car, and drive to all the places the trolls live. My love of travel would be fulfilled—even if it was alone—-and I’d travel amongst kind people who provided the safety I wanted for travel. I could visit all these places and not stand in front of these creations with all eyes looking at the woman who traveled alone.

Before winter break commenced, I began talking with a few people about my plans. Most people, unlike me, had plans with their families. Mine carved out less than 24 hours with me, so I knew this trip could happen. Then my co-worker Tracy mentioned she would be able to shift her plans, so we could travel together. She liked the trolls during our summer explorations and welcomed the adventure. Now my travels had an added bonus—companionship. I was eternally grateful.

We talked about the trolls, and Tracy mentioned that her sister and nieces lived in North Carolina, and if it could work out, maybe we could see them. I loved that too. I was thrilled to be embraced by another family. To say I had peace and felt loved is only a small part of how I felt. Tracy’s sister and daughters carved out time to be with us while visiting trolls. They even tried stopping in Raleigh, so I could see their Liberty Bell replica (in storage due to construction). It couldn’t have been more thoughtful and loving.

The family had a Doberman Pinscher who often sat near me and wanted lots of pets. As we were just about to leave, my friend’s sister said she was talking with her darling daughter who noticed the extra attention Judah was giving me. The daughter asked, “Mamma, do you think Judah is acting this way with Miss Rebecca because he knows her heart is hurting?” I felt the tenderness in her sweet queries, and it resonated with me. As the story was relayed to me by Tracy’s sister, the dog turned to look at me.

You know, I never thought about it before. However, I firmly believe animals just know how to love unconditionally. Judah went to everyone for affection, but he seemed to linger with me. When I let up for a moment, he snuggled closer. I admit, I’m not one who owns or cares for pets. It didn’t matter to Judah, he cared for me.

I wish we all had that gift. The one that says, I’ll love you through your pain. I’ll love you through your joy. I’ll give you peace, and I’ll calm your soul.