Children
I do not have children, well cats, but not the human
variety. I do, however, have nieces. The youngest comes
over to spend the night and hangs out with me rather
often. I try to feed her "normal" yet vegan foods. I
don't want her to experience culture shock when visiting
me.
She is very understanding and adapting to my life style,
although there have been some stressful situations.
On one visit we enjoyed a pint of Tofutti and for dinner
some vegan macaroni and cheeze. However, when it came
time for the corn on the cob, which I make by wrapping
the corn, which is still in the husk, in tinfoil and
then placing it in the oven, Cait had had too much of
this different way of eating. With her little lower
lip trembling, she asked, "Aunt Carrie, can't you even
make corn normal?" I asked her to please try the corn,
and if she found it inedible I would make something
else (small comfort at this point). All was well until
she realized that the salt on the table actually came
from the sea.
My presence in her life may make her more aware of
her food choices. When she was faced with a decision
about food at a vendor's stand, she chose a fruit salad
over a hot dog or chocolate. There was no pressure on
my part. I wanted her to choose freely and feel comfortable
with her choice.
She has an understanding of who I am that surpasses
others. When last at my house, she drew a picture of
me. In it I am depicted as a woman with long flowing
hair wearing jeans and a purple shirt with a peace sign
on it. I own nothing with a peace sign on it so she
has internalized my behavior as a form of pacifism.
I enjoy her presence more than anyone else's. I hope
that she grow up to be a caring individual fully aware
of how her choices affect others. I also hope that I
am always more than an aunt to her.
Carrie P.
Pennsylvania
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