I know it’s just a chipmunk. 

Wikipedia says, “Chipmunks are small, striped rodents of the family Sciuridae.”

Rodents! Like mice and rats.

But when I drove home this morning and this particular chipmunk didn’t run away, but rather sat and looked at me, I felt grateful. We shared a peaceful moment.

And I felt a Moment of Joy.

Thank you little striped Sciuridae, with your stripes and your little ears.