After hearing a "quack commotion" on my property, I encountered a frightened mother duck and her seven terrified ducklings being attacked by feral cats. I fended off the ferocious cats, but discovered the mother had fled, not to return, leaving the little critters defenseless. I decided to adopt them for a short period of time before parting ways at the local wildlife refuge to be raised in a more natural habitat. Their daily antics illuminated my family's lives and their tenacity was inspiring.