Hi all...

I was called a zealot - in public, no less - for suggesting that "increasing
breastfeeding to 75%" could also be seen as "reducing artificial feeding to
25%" and for putting the concept of "risks of artificial feeding" in writing
instead of continuing to use the term "benefits of breastfeeding."  This
incident took place in 1992, just before my granddaughter was born, which was
another life-changing experience. Martha Brower started calling me Granny
Zealot.  I thought to myself - you want zealot?  I'll show you zealot!  and
have never been the same ever since.

Recently an old acquaintance of my husbands' dropped in somewhat
unexepctedly. I've never liked this guy, who happens to be a Catholic priest
doing mostly fundraising for his order's missionary work. (Didn't like him
before he was ordained, either). He asked me, with somewhat of a lecherous
sneer, "Are you still doing your breastfeeding thing?"  I replied in a coldly
calculated even voice, "Of course - this is my job and career."  I didn't
think fast enough, or would have shot back "Are you still doing your priest
thing?"  His remark would have been insulting coming from anyone.  He's the
sort of jerk who gives priests a bad name, and I don't mean to criticize
priests by sharing this story.

Linda Smith, aka Granny Zealot, "still doing my breastfeeding thing" in
Dayton OH where it's still summer.