Bob

I can remember the first time I realized how much I appreciated all of the living beings on this planet.  I have always been intrigued by humming birds, butterflies, and even ants.  Groing up, I remember I would avoid stepping on ants as the cruised across the sidewalk, and would be devestated when I would step on one.  I always recognized that even though some of the creatures may be as small as an ant on a sidewalk, they are still living organisms trying to make the best of the life they have been given, just like us.  Who knows how much they can feel, think, and appreciate?  I remember one day, when I wasd about ten, my sister and I were sitting at home watching television.  There was a bumblebee flying around our heads constantly.  Unlike most kids, who would most likely get out the fly swatter  and kill the bee, me and my sisiter took a liking to "him".  We decided to name him Bob.  Being so young and naive, we didn't realize that Bob could not survive in our house forever.  The days went by and Bob continued to stick around and be our little friend.  One morning, my sister and I realized we hadn't seen Bob in a while and became quickly concerned with his whereabouts.  We found his dried out body in our kitchen window.  He was probably longing for the life he needed, outside.  We had a funeral for Bob in our backyard, and burried him in a matchbox. Bob would seem like just some bumblebee to many people, but to me he was a friend.  And I was devastated to had lost him.  I am so glad that I was raised to love the animals and creatures around me.  I feel this characteristic trait has made me the person I am today.