Life Lessons

We came upon this sign when we visited a local donkey sanctuary this summer. I think it is such a nice message, and something I want to instill in my children. I want them to respect all people, animals, and creatures as well as the planet we live on.


I do feel like a bit of a hypocrite though because I despise bugs. They give me the heebie jeebies and in the past if one dares to come into my home I would kill it, or get Denis to kill it rather since I am too scared. But I know now I need to lead by example and be a good role model for my daughter. I know I can tell her to be kind to creatures all I want, but monkey see monkey do.


Boy was I ever tested today. As I was cleaning the house I could hear Claire talking to something. This is not unusual since she talks to her stuffed animals and herself all day, so I didn't think anything of it. Upon listening a little more intently I could hear her saying, "HI BUUUUUGGG!!! Do you want to be my friend? You're my best friend. Do you want me to pick you up? HI BUUUGGG. I love you." I walked over expecting to see a small ant, and instead found her HOLDING a giant beetle of some sort. My skin started crawling, and I fought the urge to scream. She was so very proud of herself saying, "Look mommy, he's my friend. I'm saving him." I told her that we should perhaps put him outside. She of course did not like that idea, and told me she wants him to live with us. I explained to her that bugs live outside and he might have a mommy and daddy outside that are looking for him. She obliged and we let the bug go. All the while I was trying to stop myself from hyperventilating. After we closed the door she said that she thought he liked her tutu. I agreed and had a sigh of relief that the dreadful bug was gone.


So that was our lesson in empathy for the day. The things we do for our kids...

The Giant Bug