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.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
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.
9 friends stopped by:
Yuck, that is so gross! Boys! Gotta love 'em.
The ants did pay the ultimate price, but poor Robert!
Ouch dont they sting. By the way I tagged you for a meme
I can't imagine having a sibling die while I am alive. What a tragedy for you.
My second child, second daughter, licked ants off of trees when she was two and three. It was a hard thing to get her to stop doing. Of course, I thought she had some mineral deficiency, which she didn't. She just thought it was a neat thing to do.
It's strange to me how people romanticize bullies and bullying. It's in all the movies and literature. Fond memories of childhood? I doubt it. Perhaps trying to reconcile the past with the present.
Oh, poor ants!
:)
oops I commented over at your other site. I will try not to do that!
So... What did they taste like then?
Jeesh - Now I don't feel bad; he just called me miss piggy growing up, and teased me everyday. I am wondering if there is any irony here.... NOPE; maybe not but I do feel bad for the ants. And still wouldn't have eaten any that's for sure. I think being me; his only little sister. I would have told on him for sure! Yes indeed! Only cuz it always made me feel better when he got in trouble! Poor ants! OUCH!
ewwwwwww!
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