All Creatures Great and Small

Sunday morning after my 10 mile run, I hung out with my fellow coaches for a bit, which is customary for us. I kept being bothered by a fly. I’m sure my stench after the effort of those hot and humid miles was irresistible to him.  

But when I got to my car to drive home, I didn’t expect that he would follow me in! Not only that, but he wouldn’t leave through the cracked open window. He made it all the way home with me. Naturally, when I opened the door again, he followed me out. 

Now I’m wondering if he feels happy or sad about his trip? He’s like, what, 15 miles from home? Did he have friends, family, etc. there? And then, as annoying as he was the whole ride home, I started to feel sorry for the guy. Or perhaps this is exactly what he wanted: a great escape.

The other weekend, I was in the bathroom at the stadium before our team’s group run, and I noticed a lightning bug was lost! I easily convinced her to climb onto my hand, and I took her outside. She hung out for longer than I thought she would, but I eventually convinced her to find a new resting spot on a fence. She was simply in the wrong place. 

I now do this for spiders, too. No longer something to fear, especially if it’s not a poisonous variety, I’m the girl who takes the sheet of paper and cup, gently scoops up the critter, and lets him free outside. 

I’ve evolved into one of those vegans who rescues bugs. How did I get here? 

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The longer I’m vegan, the more I realize the value of all living things. A biologist at heart, I know that even the smallest insect has its place in the universe. 

The lead photo for this piece is the actual lightning bug I rescued from the bathroom before our group run!

As always, I hope you all are safe and healthy.