Big Bug

I check the pool one morning for critters.

All I find is this seemingly drowned big bug.

Like all big bugs (that appear harmless), I take it to Abigail.

I want my kids to understand bugs. Not fear them. Some (maybe most) are pests and some are gross, but they are bugs and serve purposes.

Most important I don’t want my kids fearing every little creepy crawly and killing at random – personal pet peeve of mine I admit. I would give it to Lauren too, but she’d certainly stick it in her mouth.

So the bug is motionless. Completely appears dead. We pass it around. Comment that it looks like a giant flying cockroach (yuck – mostly because they do represent filth. Maybe not filthy themselves, but the two go hand in hand) and decide to put it outside.

I place it on the deck rail for whatever reason and go about the day.

The next day I notice it’s not there. It’s actually moved.

Check that. It’s actually moving.

What I thought was completely dead and never made a move or any other sign while we were passing it around, was now moving just fine.

Now we’re sure not only is it a giant flying cockroach, but it’s a giant flying cockroach zombie.

He was dealt with accordingly (doubletap).

We found another giant beetle this week. He was black and quite alive. We didn’t touch him, nor get a picture, but we did check him out – a lot.

I think I’ve achieved the fearless part.

With my luck you’re looking at a future entomologist.

Nothing ever goes the way you think.

– b