And I lived to tell about it

It’s no secret that I teeter on the edge of arachnophobia.  I used to be deathly afraid of spiders, but I’ve since calmed down.  I can do what I need to do in their presence, but I don’t like them.  When they startle me, it may take me a while to stop shaking, but my fear is not debilitating.

That being said, I know it’s not a logical fear, hence the usage of the word ‘phobia.’  Most spiders really can’t kill you.  Most spiders do serve a beneficial purpose.  Most spiders aren’t out to get you.  Most would sooner go about their day than have to deal with you.  We don’t live in the jungle or rain forest.

But, I’m still not a big fan. 

As I mentioned in the Shadow Portrait post, we took Claire to a nature center that specializes in butterflies.  It is also home to different creepy crawlies, spiders in particular.  In the past, I’ve avoided the spider room.  That’s not altogether true…I’ve been in the room, but I’ve never lingered, and I have also never knocked anyone over as I’ve run from the room, just so you know. 

And, I’d never actually seen Rosie in person.

Who is Rosie?  Well, Rosie is the resident tarantula that is tame enough to be manhandled by people of all ages.  You can pet Rosie!  You can hold Rosie!  People actually do this!  On purpose!

Oh, goody!

In the past, I’ve not even looked at her, because the thought of watching a tarantula crawl around on a person made me sick to my stomach.

But, for some reason, this visit was different.  Claire was really into seeing all the creatures, so we went into the Creepy Crawlies Room.  I want Claire to have a fascination and respect for all kinds of creatures.  No, I don’t want her picking up dangerous or poisonous creatures and bringing them home as pets, but the odds of that happening here are slim to none.  (Plus, she’s so verbal that I doubt she’d do that without consulting me anyway…)

I don’t want Claire to have an irrational fear of something that can’t hurt her.

I’ve often heard the quote, “Be brave.  Even if you’re not, pretend to be, and no one can tell the difference.”  I can’t take credit for making it up, but it’s one I’ve quoted to myself many times before.

So, with that in mind, I pretended not to be afraid of Rosie.  I took Claire’s hand and together we walked over to where she and her handler were.  We sat right down on the stool right in front of her and took a look.

And, you know what?  Pretending to be brave worked.  Not only was Claire calm about the whole thing, but I petted Rosie.

Click to enlarge…if you dare! 
Clicking a second time will show more detail.

(Yes, I have a bruise on the back of my hand…that’s a story for another day.)

I touched her little leg.  All by myself.  On purpose.  There was no screaming (on the outside of my head), and there was no uncontrollable shaking or urge to run to the bathroom.  And, Rosie seemed to do okay, too.

And then…Claire petted Rosie!  She was nervous, but not terrified.  (Mission accomplished.)  Both of us petted her a few times before giving the next person in line a turn.

I had no idea that tarantulas feel like puppies.  Somehow, my brain latched onto that, and for a moment, she didn’t even look like a spider to me.  I couldn’t see any beady, evil eyes, calculating an attack.  There were no ulterior motives.  She actually appeared to be shy and quite sweet.

Granted, not sweet enough to actually hold in my hand.  I had to draw the line somewhere.

And the best part?  We got a sticker that said, “I petted Rosie!”

…which I wore proudly the rest of the day, thankyouverymuch.  Whoever says stickers are only for little kids has never petted a tarantula and lived to tell about it.