Chuckles

Sometime after putting Omar to bed, I hear him approaching from behind; his footsteps rhythmic and purposeful. As I turn to see his contorted face drenched in tears he blurts out:

Mawm, I don't want to let Chuckles go!!!!!

Me: Awww (wrapping my arms around him)....I know, you love him so much...shh-shh, there-there....shhhhhh..

I carry him back upstairs, tuck him in, bring water, tell him all the things parents tell their children that makes everything perfectly ok once again.

Omar: I would give away my playstation to have him back!!!

Now, my friend, THAT is serious love.

Who is Chuckles?

He is Omar's Millworm that he raised in school beginning at larva, then pupa... They were ready to release them whether or not the full transformation to beetle had occurred. Omar explained to (see: begged) me how delicate this stage was and so we decided it was best to have Chuckles come home with us. As soon as Omar got home from Cubs Camp he went straight to check on Chuckles and brought him to me right away to show me the "gross" pupa shedding and how Chuckles had become this beautiful beetle. "I have to set him free now mom"... So out he went into my flowerpot.

Everyone, please welcome Chuckles and a boy's love of a beetle: