Comments on: Heroes - Do We Need Them?

By: Steve N. Lee

Steve N. Lee — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:00:26 +0000

You’re very kind, Bonnie. Thank you.

That’s a lovely little story which illustrates an important point: many ‘pests’ are actually on our side and help keep out environments clear of the real pests. Ants can be fascinating. Whilst on a day out some time ago, Ania and I watched members of two different species fighting for territory. None of them seemed to get hurt but they did try to run each other out of town, so to speak. It’s always interesting to see them transporting things too - they’re so strong for their size!

Unfortunately, our hotel in LA last year provided quite a different view of ants - that they can be pests. Vicious ones at that - they bit Ania on the face while she was sleeping. Yes, we weren’t quite as keen to get up close and personal with them on that occasion!

Thanks for contributing, Bonnie.

In England, Daddy-long-legs are actually a kind of fly themselves which spiders eat, Karlie. Strange how we give things different names in different parts of the world even though we are all supposed to be speaking English, isn’t it?

Yes, that’s a wonderful way to raise kids. Every parent should strive to instill a respect for life in their children. The world would be an infinitely better place if that happened. (I always try to catch or shoo unwanted guests outside, too.)

Thanks for dropping by, Karlie.

Steve

By: Karlie J. Lewis

Karlie J. Lewis — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 23:46:23 +0000

Wonderful story! It is too bad more people wouldn’t slow down to appreciate all living things. I used to get creeped out over spiders, now I have a Daddy-Long-Legs living in my bathroom and he enjoys keeping the flies down for me.
I believe everything has a right to live and the audacity of most humans is to crush everything they come across (or shoot it for no good reason). I teach my children to take all living things and give it the same chance and right to live that you believe you have. My children will carry them outside and give them birth when they are outside. Instead of crushing them, they look at them and appreciate their simplicity, beauty and complications all at once. Doesn’t anyone ever realize that sometimes we may scare another creature?
;) Karlie

By: Bonnie

Bonnie — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 16:01:09 +0000

My dear Steven, you never cease to amaze me. I so wish that there were many more such as you out there. All life is so very precious, each individual, may I call them that, has their own unique lessons to learn as well as to teach. I have never been one to stomp on ants, spiders, creepy crawlers as they are often called. Lucy taught you much my friend and her gift is priceless. My most memorable experience involved carpenter ants, those big black ones that invade old wooden structures. I had the whole top floor of a 150+ year old building in which I lived with my 5 pets. Every Spring once the weather warmed these many legged residents would emerge and I would sit fascinated watching them. In Canada we have a lil pest called Earwigs; and anyone who has experienced them knows that they are indeed a real pest. I was so pleased to watch my resident carpenters, carrying off these Earwigs and keeping them under control, eventually eliminating them completely. Of course now I became concerned about my helpers and would leave tiny bits of moist dog food out for them, which they would carry up the wall, through the tiny cracks in the ceiling and off to their hidden abodes. They also enjoyed the bits of fruit I would eave for them. Ya, call me crazy, but these friends kept the other pests at bay and provided me with many fascinating hours of observation. Learning to live with these otherwise termed insect pests, helped me realize that I could also learn to live with the many human pests I would encounter during my lifetime.

By: Steve N. Lee

Steve N. Lee — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 11:24:17 +0000

Thank you for being so kind about my post and my writing, Kat. I’m really thrilled that you enjoy both so much.

I must say, Spirit Guides are something I know little about so any time you want to elaborate on that subject, please feel free. I’m sure I won’t be alone in finding what you have to say on the subject fascinating.

Thanks for commenting. Have a wonderful weekend,
Steve

By: Kat

Kat — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 19:41:36 +0000

Steve, I very much enjoyed this article about Lucy! Especially since Spider is one of my Spirit Guides in my American Indian culture. But, aside from spiders, I very much enjoy your writing style, and the message you deliver…we have much to gain and learn by facing our fears. Thank you for sharing this beautiful, and inspiring story with me, and the reast of us! You write well, and now I am interested in more written material from you. I think I might look into that book you’re talking about….

See you on Care2, my friend! kat

By: Steve N. Lee

Steve N. Lee — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 08:52:23 +0000

Susan (and Barney), I’m pleased you enjoyed my post. And I’m pleased you’ve experienced first-hand exactly what I’m talking about - that’s a great little story.

By you and others vouching for the truth in this post, let’s hope readers believe what we’re saying and open their minds accordingly. Imagine the benefits - less fear, more love and empathy. What more could we ask for?

Have a great weekend, Susan. And say hello to Barney for me!
Steve

By: Susan Hall-Amado

Susan Hall-Amado — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:02:24 +0000

Hi Steve,

A very well written piece. Quite an eye opener. It reminded me of my fear of snakes.

Here in Manitoba, we have many garter snakes some of them make their home in my gardens. The sight of one would make me run for the hills.

Recently, my husband caught one and convinced me to just look at it. It was quite pretty. A beautiful red stripe down each side.
Since my husband was holding it, I felt safe enough to reach out and touch it. I was amazed. It wasn’t the slimmy creature that I had imagined. Quite the opposite. It was cool to the touch and very smooth.

I actually reached out and held it. I named my new little friend Barney. I let him go after I allowed him to work his way up my arm and onto my shoulder. He made his way back into my garden amongst my many plants. Now, I often look for him and wish him well wherever he may be.

Your article does prove a point, we need to keep our minds open to new experiences. We should never let our anxieties get the better of us. This prevents us from seeing the beauty around us in whatever form it takes.

Thank you, Steve for such a mind opening article.

By: Steve N. Lee

Steve N. Lee — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:06:00 +0000

Those are fine qualities that every parent should teach, Moon. It’s a pity so many parents seem to have forsaken their role with regards to raising their children well. It’s no wonder so much of the world is in such a mess, is it?

Yes, you’re right - acting selflessly for the benefit of others is a good definition of a hero.

Thanks for commenting, Moon. Hope your week is going well,
Steve

By: MOON

MOON — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:51:40 +0000

I believe - That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

By: MOON

MOON — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:18:03 +0000

THANKS STEVE–EVEN A SPIDER HAS A PLACE AND REASON FOR BEING HERE, AS ALL CREATURES DO. MY DAD WAS MY HERO GROWING UP–HE TAUGHT ME A FEW THINGS (AND WORDS) THAT HAVE SERVED ME WELL FOR MANY YEARS: PLEASE–THANK YOU–SIR & MAM–HE SAID ALWAYS TO STAND UP FOR WHAT I BELIEVED IN TO THE END AND ALWAYS FIGHT FOR THE WEAK OR HELPLESS, WHICH I DO TO THIS DAY!