Apr 15 2008
Eating Red Ants
I’ll miss the good ole days…. Winthrop…….Cottage Park Rd, eating red ants & always in trouble…you were like the older brother I never had…..surely you will be missed…..Cousin Robert
That was an excerpt from one of the entries in The Guestbook at my brother John’s Funeral. There were many heartfelt condolences, and many that made me cry. However, this one stood out for me. I was quite curious to know why 2 young boys would not only eat red ants, but also have fond memories of the experience. So, I called my cousin to ask him about this.
Must. Have. Input.
Robert told me that he, being all of a year younger than John, couldn’t stand up to the pressure John put on him. First John tried to make it sound cool! Ah! A classic approach! When that didn’t work he teased Robert, saying he was a baby, or chicken or words to that effect. In the end Robert totally caved and ate the red ants. Still, he remembers it fondly as part of his childhood memories. Boys are so strange.
So, 40 years later, I’m wondering… who I should feel more sorry for?
- My brother John, the consummate bully
- My cousin Robert, the picked on younger kid forced to eat red ants
- The red ants, snack food
In the end, I think it would have to be the party who ultimately gave it their all… the red ants, of course!
Who would you pick?
Oh, and Robert and The Donald? They’re justlikethis.
2 responses so far
The very best job I could ever imagine is one that would pay me to think… and the currency would be wine!
At first I wanted to say your cousin Robert being that I remember all too well being picked on by bullies. But Robert says this is a fond memory? So I am with you and going with the ants. Although once, while I napped foolishly on the ground in California, a bunch of red ants bit me many times on my head. I will never forget the pain, ouch.
I am with the previous commenter……I do not feel a bit sorry for the ants. They are a mean-spirited bunch, fond of ruining happy picnics and other such occasions, and should not be sympathized with.
As for your cousin, no sympathy there either. He should have stood his ground (or caught some of the ants and released them in “the bully’s” bed.)