My Apologies, Mister Worm

This afternoon, just as we stepped out the front door for a walk, I spotted a huge worm crossing our front path. He was trying to make his way from one side of the garden to the other, and would have had an easier time if I hadn't pointed him out to a certain curious 16-month-old.

She immediately hurried toward the squirmy worm, stepping on him a little in her enthusiasm. Thankfully he's a resilient little thing and kept right on wiggling by, though I'm still feeling a little guilty for his slightly damaged hindquarters.

She was very excited about the idea of picking him up, but I figured we'd traumatized the poor thing enough, so we stepped back and watched him bury himself in the leaves & soil.

I hope she's always eager to pick up worms, and to learn about her surroundings without reservation. It's a beautiful thing watching a child discover the world.