About twenty years ago, a young couple moved into the townhouse next door.  Lovely, warm, serious, people, younger than me and my husband by about fifteen years.  They were deeply committed to each other, animal rights work, saving the planet from climate change and doing everything they could think of  to leave the world a better place for generations to come.

Chris and Jordan* shared a passion for cooking, always experimenting with new recipes and inventing their own.  Chris was adventurous and freewheeling, never meeting a spice they wouldn’t toss into the pot.  Jordan was more discerning and cautious, concentrating on producing the fluffiest breads, the most delicious desserts.

We became friends.  They invited us to their wedding at a manicured farm with a reception hall specializing in vegan cuisine.  Of course, they wrote their own vows.  I cried, speeding through so many of those little tissue packs.

Our neighbors opened my eyes to all the reasons why veganism matters.  They lent me books on animal rights.   We discussed local and global food insecurity.  They dispelled myths about veganism.

I am so greatful Chris and Jordan came into our lives.  They taught me why veganism matters.  I developed a deep interest in veganism.  Our family is not vegan, but my teen son and I take conscious steps every day to reduce our consumption of animal products.  He made vegan brownies recently.  We are going to a local restaurant this weekend, specifically for their vegan pizza.  We have lots of totally vegan days.  I can envision he and I becoming vegan in the not so far off future.  Sadly, we lost touch with Chris and Jordan as we all moved to different homes.  I hope our paths will cross again. I would love for my son to meet them.

*Names changed.