There are many things that I admire in my daughter. She’s a firecracker; quick, witty and determined in her stances. I’m loving watching who she is growing into; often times displaying a sharp departure from the status quo. And I’m here for it. But last year she made a decision that would affect all of us in the best way. She became a vegetarian and has not departed from that lane ever since.
As toddlers, both the Bug and the Bean were finicky eaters. For the first few years of life they would both confidently eschew meat, preferring vegetables and fruit. Homemade purées and sauces dominated our mealtimes. We held strong on our meatless moment until one fateful barbecue. Joshua took one bite of a hamburger and that was all she wrote. To this day, his prized burger is simple; meat and bun. No frills, no fuss. Kingsley would require a bigger sale. Once sold, it remained reluctant and loose. She’s enjoyed her fair share of ribs and crawfish throughout the years. Last year, however, was the end of the line for her. As she grew, so did her compassion for animals. Her final stance on adopting a vegetarian lifestyle; if it had a brain, I do not want to consume it.
Kingsley’s vegetarianism excludes all chicken, pork, beef, turkey and fish. As the primary chef in our kitchen, it has required me to grow culinarily. Our dinners often include vegetarian versions of what is being served if the given protein of the night includes meat. We opt to have more meatless meals than before. From to broths, to utensils, her vegetarianism has made me more aware and cautious in the preparation and presentation of our meals.
I have always been proud that the kids willingly choose fruit to satisfy a sweet craving. A true preferance of salads and soups. In my creative culinary endeavors, I almost always get cheerful participants. But I have to say that I am incredibly inspired by my daughter’s lifestyle choice. Not only her choice, but her complete commitment to her beliefs. There have been many times that I’ve attempted vegetarianism; ultimately falling short in my efforts. Watching my eleven year old leaves me in awe. I share in her love for God’s creatures and her commitment to lessening her carbon footprint on this planet. Whether her choice is for this extended moment or a lifetime, it is an astounding stand to take; a foreshadowing of what’s to come from this powerful little being.