By Peggy Gerber
When Jackie served chicken for the second time that week, Ben groaned and began clucking like a chicken. His little sister Olivia asked, “Why are you doing that?”
Ben replied, “Because we’re eating chicken, stupid. Cluck, cluck.”
Olivia burst into tears. She had never put it together that the chicken on her plate had once been a living animal. She was horrified.
As Jackie comforted her daughter, a light bulb went off in her head. She asked everyone to hold hands, and together, they gave thanks to the animal whose life was sacrificed so that they could have a nice meal.
You forgot the part where Olivia becomes a vegetarian for the next 10 years!
my 31-year-old daughter had this happen to her at 6. She still is a vegetarian.
I’m all for giving thanks, especially during these trying times.
I could only smile as I read your story. I served cornish game hens to my two young stepchildren one night and the older brother said the same thing! Wish I’d thought of your prayer of thanks, but I’m not sure it would have helped in our case! Well done.
Quick thinking on Mom’s part. Cute story and well written.
Beautifully crafted short story.
Great story, prayer was good thinking.
So nicely stated. A wonderful way of honoring those beautiful beings who give their life force so we may nourish our bodies.