Life Lost, Life Gained

Seven years ago today I made an important decision that would change my life forever. At the same time, I lost someone who was very important to me. Two memorable moments – one very hopeful, and one deeply sad – came together as I began this journey.

Since this day in 2004 I have been proud to call myself a vegetarian. Living a compassionate lifestyle could not have been easier, but my path towards making that decision was one that required a lot of thought and determination.

Ever since I was a child, I have loved animals. I have always believed that all lives are valuable and that all lives are equal. Every sentient being should be afforded the opportunity to live a fulfilling, peaceful life, and this understanding is something that has made my commitment towards vegetarianism unwavering. What began as a promise to animals eventually turned into a commitment to environmentalism and health as well. With endless research, reading, and discussions with like-minded people, I am reminded every day of why I made this decision and why it makes me so happy. I eventually realized that eating meat was a luxury and not a necessity, and I couldn’t live another day harming an animal for my own enjoyment.

No decision is right for everyone, and no one wants to be told what to do. I definitely believe, however, that when something is important to us, we should live our lives as an example to others. I am overwhelmingly touched when I know that my lifestyle has encouraged others to take a step towards vegetarianism, or at least reduce meat consumption in their diet. This is a gift that affects not only that person, or me – but the lives of thousands of animals (and probably even more). Compassion is truly contagious.

By adopting a vegetarian diet it is said that each person can save the lives of over 100 animals each year. I’m inspired thinking that my decision on January 10, 2004 allowed me to thus far save over 700 animal lives, and it reminds me that we all have the power to make a tremendous difference in the lives of others.

Tyson, my dog, is an animal. Buster, my cat, is an animal. I met Paolo the steer and Petunia the Pig last month during a volunteer visit to Animal Acres. They’re both animals. When you connect with another living being – whether they’re on the farm or in your living room – you see life in their eyes and you see their will and their desire to live. I truly believe that we do not have the right to take the life of an animal, just as we do not have the right to take the lives of fellow human beings. We are neighbors on this planet, and we are here for a short time. Why not do the most during our time here to diminish suffering for all?

The same week I committed to being a vegetarian, my uncle passed away. I miss him deeply. He was such a source of laughter and companionship. Highly intelligent, he was like a walking Encyclopedia, and always had a great joke to tell.  Everyone who knew him knew that he was a truly kind person, and when we lost him, there was a hole left in our hearts and our lives. This experience taught me how valuable life is and how fleeting our experiences are here on Earth. I don’t want to waste a single day living a life that I can’t be proud of.

So, thank you, Uncle Jim, for your example as a kind, intelligent and hilarious man. I like to think that you helped me gain perspective on my own life and allowed me to make this decision that I have never and will never regret. I dedicate this post to you.

If you are interested in or curious at all about adopting a vegetarian lifestyle, please feel free to email me at wendy@wendywegner.com or by posting a comment below. You can also learn more, and get your very own free vegetarian starter kit here.

“I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness or abilities that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”
- William Penn

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A Little Bit Funny is a blog I started to share my recommendations and ruminations on film, fashion, food and much more. “My gift is my blog and this one’s for you.”