Set in the peaceful shade of Angkor Wat’s forest, a baby monkey named Robby was having one of the happiest mornings of his little life.
I stood just a few feet away, camera in hand, heart wide open. The jungle was still sleepy, the mist not yet burned off by the sun, and there was little Robby—just a few weeks old—with his big curious eyes and fluffy golden fur. He had just finished nursing, his tiny mouth still wet with mama’s milk. Then, without hesitation, he reached out and grabbed something even more delightful: a soft, overripe banana.
It wasn’t just a snack—it was a celebration. You could see the joy ripple through his little body. He held the banana like it was the most precious treasure in the world. And to Robby, it probably was.
He chewed in little squeaky bites, milk still dripping off his chin, banana smudged on his nose. His eyes sparkled with every mouthful, almost as if he knew this moment meant something deeper—safety, warmth, love. You see, for baby monkeys like Robby, food isn’t just nutrition. It’s reassurance. It’s the message: “You’re safe here. You’re loved.”
Mama sat beside him, grooming gently. Her tired eyes never left him. Every so often, she’d place a hand on his back or nuzzle him, silently reminding Robby: You’re mine. I’ll always protect you.
I remember the soft sound of leaves rustling, birds calling above, and Robby’s content little grunts as he gobbled. At one point, he even looked up at me—banana in one hand, milk still in his mouth—as if to say, “Isn’t life wonderful?”
But what struck me most wasn’t the cuteness. It was the resilience.
Just days before, Robby had seemed sluggish. He didn’t nurse much. He had trouble gripping his mama’s fur. I feared the worst—hunger, or worse, rejection. But now, here he was—chubby belly full, fingers sticky with banana, alive with joy.
This simple moment reminded me: even in wild places, hope grows.
It made me think about all the overlooked little joys we miss—tiny hands gripping fruit, soft touches from a parent, and the power of a full belly when the world once felt empty.
I left that morning changed. Not because I saw a monkey eat fruit. But because I witnessed a life find comfort, nourishment, and joy—in the middle of the forest, far from the noise of the world.
So many of us are searching for the same thing Robby found under that banyan tree: love, safety, and something sweet to hold on to.