Vegan lifestyle articles that discuss ways of living in peace with humans, animals, and the environment.
Gin Beecher,
DxE Direct
Action Everywhere
February 2017
Jude didn't understand why our food had legs. And I had made a promise to myself and Jude, that I wouldn't lie to him. I wouldn't sugar coat or trick him into believing something dishonest. So I explained to him the course of nature, of survival and the "food chain." He stared at me with his big eyes full of tears unable to believe what I was saying. He then asked me one question I will never forget. "Did you ask the turkey if you could kill them?"
On Thanksgiving in 2014 my son Jude saw his first uncooked whole turkey.
It was the legs that got him. He didn't understand why our food had legs.
And I had made a promise to myself and Jude, that I wouldn't lie to him. I
wouldn't sugar coat or trick him into believing something dishonest. So I
explained to him the course of nature, of survival and the "food chain." He
stared at me with his big eyes full of tears unable to believe what I was
saying. He then asked me one question I will never forget. "Did you ask the
turkey if you could kill them?"
That was when I knew he was much more in tune with the universe than I ever
was. It was then he questioned every meal I cooked. He refused to eat
anything that once had a beating heart. I was frustrated. Confused, but
supportive. Food became complicated, but I wanted to make certain he knew I
had his back no matter what. He helped me to question everything that I
thought I knew to be true.
In January of 2016, Jude learned about the horrible things that happen to
dairy cows and their babies. Immediately, he denounced all dairy products.
In November, Jude and I had our first 100% vegan Thanksgiving, and this
January Jude celebrated his veganniversary. I am incredibly thankful for the
bond Jude and I have and for the way he has inspired me to be more
compassionate. I know he will continue to inspire people towards compassion
all his life.
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