a hippy chick

So yesterday I have the bright idea to go to Maymont after work. Number one, it’s 100,000 degrees. Number two, it’s 20 miles from my house and I was working from home (that means I need gas). Number three, all the exhibits close at 5.  But it seemed like a perfect thing to do.  So off we went.

We had just enough time to see the huge wild turkey and the potbellied pigs before they retired for the night. All was well until lil pill picked the picnic spot, opened his Lunchable, and made the connection. I swear that it was literally like the light bulb went on.

Mom, what is this?

Turkey.

Turkey? But that’s. Is that made from?

Turkey.

Is baloney from animals?

Yep. Baby, all meat is from animals.

Cheesburgers?

Well, hamburger.

Is from turkeys?

No, cows.

Oh, disgusting. Can I just eat the crackers and then have the cookies?

No, you need to have actual food. I don’t care if you don’t want to eat meat but you have to have some good food. You can have some of Amber’s peanut butter sandwich, okay?

Okay mom. I’m going to go pee behind the tree now.

I knew this was coming and was even sort of somehow prepared. But not at 4. How do I get a kid who hates vegetables and fruit–and now meat–to eat a balanced meal? He is darn amazing though, and I’m proud of his compassion and connection. I could tell he wanted to spill the beans to another kid when we passed the wild turkey pen, but he restrained himself (probably because he had a starburst in his hand). I can only hope he’ll make many more of these connections and not let the people that pound square pegs into nice little round ones (so they’ll fit better into society) get him down.

Yuck it up, vegan. (Pretty much the highlight of her life.)

Here’s to informed choices, 208 pounds and a new size 14 Salvation Army dress, kids who will rule the world and nice people like you.  Happy weekend y’all!