Then God told Noah, “Come out of the ark. And bring the animals with you so they can be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.” So Noah and his family came out with all the animals (Genesis 8:13–19).
When my children were little, my parents had wooden arks and every kind of animal you could imagine to go on the ark. They didn’t limit ark tickets to animals, either; they weren’t concerned about the Biblical accuracy of the species. We were an inclusive family who had the entire set of the California Raisins and Disney characters (and I think we really did have 101 Dalmatians) from Happy Meal toys, Calico Critters, Where’s Waldo figures, and even Pac Man pairs – in addition to the standard elephants, giraffes, monkeys and so forth on our arks.
The only things my oldest daughter wanted from the house when we were cleaning were the California Raisins. I managed to find several and send them to her, and today they sit in her home in Henderson, Nevada. These memories of ark days still bring joy to her, and in the photos I can see the grandmother/granddaughter bond of love as they chat and spend time – something my mother always did well. Mom could have taught a Masterclass on embracing all kinds, even those who may not appear to belong on the ark. She made room, just like I’m sure Noah did back in the day.
Calling All Animals: A Noah’s Ark Golden Hinge Poem
so Noah and his family came out with all the animals
Noah brought animals of all kinds ~ California Raisins, 101 Dalmatians,
and even PacMan and Waldo – – all kinds, not just
his own ideas of what was ordinary…..he surely looked at all his own
family and knew all their ways of belonging, then
came to decide that all creatures, even those
out of left field or from off the beaten path, and all those
with their own quirks and all their issues, yes,
all ….all….all….should be welcomed onto
the ark, for all of God’s children are, truly,
animals, after all……
Common Threads 
SO glad you captured this family memory in words, photos and a poem. Well done! I guess because of my age, but more and more, I am remembering sweet stories, like this one you tell today, and wanting to write it down for the grands to enjoy. This slice of yours shows such care and kindness of your mom/Mimi. Thanks for sharing!
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Oh my gosh, what a delight this is! I love the list of all the additions to the ark that take us back to popular culture of our younger years, and I love how you make this into a message of inclusivity!!!
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I would have LOVED this as a child! I couldn’t stop smiling as I read about all the ark’s guests…right down to those California raisins. I loved how you wove together your memories of these family heirlooms with your mom’s ability to engage and make others feel welcome. Your hinge poem captured all the good feels.
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