Rain in Oregon is common.

So common that it brings the worms out in droves.

The other day I was walking to my car and noticed all the worms in the parking lot. As I neared my car I saw one about a foot behind my left rear tire.

I knew when I backed out I’d flatten him.

I sat in the driver’s seat ready to put the key in the ignition but my thoughts trailed back to the worm behind my tire.

I got out of the car and as gently as I could kicked him out of the way then  got back in and drove away.

I felt at peace because I extended that worm’s life.

Since the worm encounter I’ve read up on an earthworms lifespan and discovered that earthworms can live from 4 to 8 years depending on the conditions. Under ideal ones with no predators they will live longer.

Last night I saved a baby slug who landed in the kitchen next to the back door. I picked him up and tossed him out on the patio. I figured he needed a chance to grow in his natural habitat–not my trash can.

I find it harder to save spiders because they’re quick and they scare me. To save one requires a bit of maneuvering. I try to loosely put the tissue in my hand and then pinch a leg or the entire body just enough to grab it but not enough to squish it. I’m careful because saving one could backfire with one squirming out of the tissue and onto any part of me.

Over my lifetime I figure I’ve saved a few hundred assorted types and even remember nursing a couple of gardner snakes back to health.

Given the infinite number of insects we share this planet with it takes little time to save some of those we cross paths with.