The things we do for our kids.

I have a terrible, irrational fear of snakes. In fact, I can hardly look at a picture of one without feeling slightly nauseous and disorientated. I think it has its roots in my childhood growing up on a large smallholding with heaps of snakes in the area. I will never forget the day I opened my cupboard door as a 6 year old and saw a puff adder amongst my shoes. Therefore I avoid the reptile section at the zoo and parks with snakes etc. I have however been very careful not to let that fear show in front of my kids. The Princess knows I do not like snakes, but that's it. Mr L has a rather irrational fear of all reptiles (which seem to be getting a lot better) but I add that one as just one of his quirks - after all he also had one for the lawnmower.

On Saturday I went to a party with Mr C - the invite was in the form of a bat so I really did not expect what took place on the day. After some play and cake and candles, a "creepy creatures" show took place. They were shown and was allowed to touch a bullfrog (what a beautiful animal), a 2 week old crocodile, a baby blue monkey, baby raccoon and tortoises. The guy doing the show was brilliant and gave a whole lot of educational info to the kids.

Then it came! He asked us all to sit on one wall and went about 10 meters away and brought out a puff adder, followed later by a cobra. The kids were all dead quiet and far away as he asked. Although not comfortable with this I stayed far back in the crowd and coped. Then he asked the kids if he can bring out a snake they can touch. A huge "yes" came from the crowd. And out he brought a Boa constrictor. After all the info he came close and told the kids they could touch if their parents came with them. Little enthusiastic C who was one of only a few kids to touch every single animal on offer before immediately grabbed my hand to go. So this mommy swallowed hard, sent up a prayer to be strong and touched the snake. I think my heart stopped for a few seconds and I felt physically ill. But I am proud I did it. Looking at the picture still makes my tummy turn but at the same time I feel incredibly proud of myself.

My dear C, if you read this sometime in the future, please know mommy loved you enough to do this. To Uranus and back, including touching a snake along the way.

So please tell me you have also done something totally out of your comfort zone for your  kids and btw have you ever touched a snake?