Fois Gras

Something quite profound has happened to me over the weekend, and it all began with Fois Gras. As I (and a few others) refused the starter of Fois Gras due to disagreeing with it on principle, it opened a big debate on eating meat versus being vegetarian. I admitted that if I had to kill the animals myself I would have to become vegetarian because I wouldn't have the heart to do it, however I'm a huge fan of meat and I simply would hate to live without it.

Unfortunately for me there were 3 people at the table who knew a lot about abattoirs, and they proceeded to tell me the nitty gritty... information I would have cheerfully avoided given the choice. I found it rather upsetting (to the point I had a few tears which was rather embarrassing)... although people were very understanding. I think everyone knows how much of an animal lover I am!

At the time, I said I didn't think I could ever eat meat again now I have that knowledge. I suppose I thought I'd sober up and get over it.
Sunday morning (while everyone had bacon) I avoided all the meat, and I did the same at lunchtime and stuck to the fish. At the airport I chose a cheese sandwich (I would have gone for the club sandwich normally), and all day today I have had the meat free option. I can't help but think about the day I gave lamb up... I feel exactly the same now.. that same disgusted horrible feeling.

Tonight I decided to google the information in case it was wrong... after all, my favourite dishes include meat. What I was told was correct however, and I wish I'd known before now. I clicked on one link which brought up an 8 minute video. It began with Paul McCartney saying "If abbattoirs had glass walls everyone would become a vegetarian". An image then filled the screen and I had to switch it off... seeing only 8 seconds of it instead of 8 minutes. I was convinced. That's it!

When speaking to my mam tonight I told her my plans and her response was one of disbelief and a sort of "Don't be stupid" attitude... which I fully understand. I don't want to preach and didn't tell her what I have been told and what I've seen, but I think by the end of the conversation she realised I'm really not being stupid and I'm really not going to change my mind. She started telling me about the vegetarians she knows all just announcing out of the blue their intentions...just like me, and she herself couldn't do it.

And bless my lovely husband who told me today not to make 2 different meals as he'll eat whatever I make and will have his meat dishes when he's out for meals or at work! He's supportive with everything I do, and I'm very lucky to have him.