“We have to tell my dad he can’t buy those worms,” I told my husband, panic rising in my voice.

As we were on the way to a fishing trip, this was a major problem. New plan – obtain white bread for our hooks instead of night crawlers. No worms would be harmed in this outdoors experience.

Normally, my kids are fine with the more gruesome parts of the “circle of life.” They know where meat comes from and we’ve seen deer hit by cars and trains. Worms shouldn’t be a problem.

But this was different.

Because my three-year-old’s favorite stuffed animal is a giant earthworm. Specifically, Slimey, Oscar the Grouch’s best friend on Sesame Street. We just couldn’t stab hooks through Slimey’s friends.

Slimey became part of our family over Christmas break, when we went to Busch Gardens for their mega-Christmastown display. At the Sesame Street “Forest Of Fun,” we let each of the kids pick out a souvenir. Before we knew it, my younger son had plucked a giant worm out of the basket overflowing with stuffed animals. Despite being pretty familiar with Sesame Street, I didn’t even recognize the character. I’m not sure my son did either – he just gravitated towards it.

Despite the occasional inconvenience, I love that my younger son’s favorite animal is a worm. Worms are ordinary, humble animals. As adorable as Slimey himself is, they aren’t known for their cuteness. They aren’t threatening or powerful like dinosaurs. They serve an essential ecological role, but do so underground, unseen and rarely heralded. They’re the opposite of charismatic. And yet, my son loves them to bits.

Having Slimey as a bit of a mascot also makes my son’s connection to the garden and outdoors even more special. Both my kids love being outside, but my younger son will go out in almost any weather. These days, he spends a lot of time moving dirt from the “dirt box” (a raised bed for the kids) onto the lawn to “make a house for Slimey.” Even though we want the kids to keep the dirt in the box, I just can’t say no to that! Every earthworm we find is a cause for celebration. Each time, he exclaims, “Slimey’s friend!”

I don’t know how long Slimey will remain my son’s favorite. But I do know that he’s slithered his way into my heart. I caught myself asking him “Who’s a good worm?” the other day.

While our children’s tastes will come and go, I’m so grateful to see their love and imaginations in action when it comes to their furry best friends.

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