Huh? Why did she said that?

Here one for you:

My son and I are in the entry way of school looking at a display.

This was awhile ago, but popped back into my head this morning.

This lady comes up to us and says, “You better enjoy that now, because they are taking all the red 40 out of foods. And they should because red 40 causes cancer. Some stores already don’t sell foods with red 40 and in Europe they are illegal.”

For a few moments, I just stare at her. She is around my age, has freckles, and is petite. I know her from 4-H, but her family quit because they had too much going on. I’ve found her to be friendly, in the past, and I don’t think she’s being unfriendly now.

Meanwhile, my son doesn’t even pause on eating Red Hot Cheetos. We make eye contact, at various, points within the lady’s public service announcement (which was much longer than what I’ve provided here today).

I feel neither sad nor mad….just curious as to what motivated this particular share of words.

Later, I would reflect on this and consider that they way she was talking to my son and I was more like the way people talk to the TV during a football game, stating tips and lamenting plays without any possibility of the TV talking back.

Anyway, Sam shrugged and said, “Well, I’m still going to eat these.”

For my part, I tried to change the topic.

“Well, it’s always good to care about our health. How are things going with you guys?”

She gave a one or two word answer and walked away at a clip.

Happy Labor Day!

Love,

Terra Rose