“What?!?! There’s actually a National Save a Spider Day?” my son Joey attempted to say as I grabbed his fragile hand just before it delivered the deadly blow.
“Yes! There is,” I lied, “and if the police find out you killed a spider today they will come to the house and arrest you!” I released his small hand that fit within my own, immediately feeling guilty about my fib. Joey stood stiff and silent, staring nervously at the minute leggy creature spinning a web, no doubt imagining the police pulling away from our home with him all alone in the back seat. My stomach tightened as I realized my comment was probably a little rough for a four-year-old. I’m sure when he ends up in counseling my spontaneous lie will come back to haunt me! However, I have always had a deep respect and admiration for living creatures, which has grown considerably since having children of my own.
“Lets bring him outside so he can find his family,” I gently suggested. Joey smiled at the thought. I knew at that very moment I had just saved hundreds of insects from the fate that this lucky little spider had just escaped.
Laura Ripes started writing in 1996. She is currently writing with two co-authors under the name, The Milk & Cookie Girls. At this time they have two children’s series in the works. You can see what they are working on at www.milkandcookiegirls.com
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