I Touched a Snake!

Rocky, that is the name of the snake that I "briefly" touched today. First let me say that if you know me on a personal level, then you know I HATE snakes. Not only are snakes one of my biggest fears, besides flying, but I am deathly afraid of them. When I was younger, I stepped on a Copperhead while bare foot in my parents back yard, thus the fear for snakes began. I have always looked at them as evil creatures...nothing I would ever want to be near. I have always had nightmares about them and often check my bed (like a little kid) making sure nothing creepy and crawly is in bed with me. I can't even stand to see a snake on a television screen, much less be in the same room with one. You want to see someone scream like a little kid? Show me a snake. My husband knows better to say the least. He did get me pretty good one day though. It was while attending a beach trip. We all know the goofy little shops that you can purchase little nick nacks and things of that nature. Well, this store just so happened to have fake snakes. Needless to say, Jeremy got me pretty good. I come around the corner, and all I see are snake eyes! Thus the shreking began and the barrel of laughter from Jeremy. That is also the same day he proposed (but that is another story)....
Rocky is some sort of pyhton snake ( I think) his owner is a little boy by the name of Jax. Jax is the oldest of the kids that I am now nannying for. I must admit I have taken a liking to him. Jax is a spunky 9 year old and he is full of life. I love watching him with James and I can tell that James looks up to him. Jax tends to take him under his wing and treats him like he is a brother. I get a kick out of them from time to time. Jax tells James he is a mini version of him. Today Jax took Rocky out of his crate. Needless to say I didn't want to get to close. Jax just holds him like it's no big deal. Of course this always interests James and since boys will be boys James wants to be around Rocky too. "Let me touch him" that is what he says. In response Jax says "You can hold him if you want" Me "No, that's okay" Again Jax speaks up "no really it's okay, he can hold him" I can see the light in James eyes by this point, but again being a mother (and someone deathly afraid of snakes) I speak up and simply say "no" again. James takes his little hands and gently strokes Rocky's back. I am just praying he doesn't get into striking position...even if I am at the other end of the room. I can tell that both Jax and James are intrigued. They continue to pet him for awhile and all I can think about is Rocky's little tongue...I am sure the looks on my face are priceless. Jax assures me that there is nothing to be afraid of, but I can't seem to get this out of my mind. I am trying my best to get a little closer. My three year old is much more brave then I. By this point, Jax decides to let the snake slither across the office desk and computer key board, I am looking to see just how fast he moves. I am actually intrigued myself at this point. I decide to come a little closer...baby steps Dallas, baby steps. After slithering accross the desk, Jax decides to pick Rocky back up and he slowly curls up his little arm. I am about 5 feet away at this point. I myself am finding it hard to believe that I am actually in the same room, much less 5 feet away. I decide its time to be brave and face my fear head on. I tell Jax "I think I want to touch him" I can see the surprised look on Jax face. I tell him to have Rocky's head face the opposite way. If he is going to strike, I sure don't want to see this. I slowly ease my hand over, but then jolt back, as I see Rocky's little head and eyes turn my way. I will admit, I had goose bumps at this point and I shrek a little bit. Jax just laughs at me. I again reach my hand out and slowly but surely touch Rocky. I did it! I actually did it! I faced my fear and touched a snake! I immediatley go and wash my hands. It was not at all what I was expecting. I was expecting something slimmy and gross, but honestly it was nothing like that. I can't say that my fear for snakes is completely gone, but at least I was able to somewhat face my fear. Rocky's not too bad. I guess if a three and nine year old can enjoy a snakes company, I can at least try. Maybe next time I will try holding him...until then baby steps...that is what I will take.