protection and wisdom in my life. Foxes are seen as messengers of Inari (one of the Shinto gods) in my country. I grew up seeing fox statues in shrines. There is also a group of foxes in the neighborhood where I currently live. When I feel stuck or unsure of what to decide, I often see a fox walking in front of my house or crossing the backyard. It looks at me. We stare at each other. When I see a fox, I wonder what the Shinto god is trying to tell me. This image describes my hope that foxes protect and guide my daughter, just like they have done so for me.