Before you panic, I am *not* discussing the issue of abortion. I have my own personal thoughts regarding that subject, but that isn’t what this is about. Columbia has a Planned Parenthood location that does, in fact, perform abortions. Laura’s school is very close to the Columbia Planned Parenthood location. Nearly every day, there are protestors outside supporting both pro-choice and pro-life. These protestors are not the violent sort, though they do occasionally have shouting matches with each other. Both Laura’s bus and Andy and I when we pick her up drive right by those protestors. Being Laura, she’s curious and has begun asking questions. She has mentioned it before, but I immediately changed the subject. Today, when I attempted to do that again, she said, “Mommy, just answer my questions!” Given her level of frustration, I attempted to answer her questions. I explained that the protestors were out supporting their personal beliefs about an issue that causes strong feelings for both “sides.” Due to an occasional police presence, I also had to explain that sometimes good people go too far supporting their beliefs. She asked me what they were protesting and I had to say that she didn’t need to worry about that because it was an adult issue. Really, how would you explain abortion to a five-year old anyway? To my surprise, she said, “Mommy, just cause I’m five doesn’t mean I won’t understand.” I never dreamed I would be having a conversation about this type of thing with her at the age of five. She’s a very observant child and I’m often surprised by the things she notices and understands. I’m guessing that one of these times, she’ll see the protestors while riding her bus and ask one of the older kids. So, eventually, Andy and I will have to address the subject. I hope it’s later rather than sooner.