The Curse

Mom and Papa in all their glory.

We all have our own version of what a "curse" is, and it's not too often I throw that word around. I mean how often do you use the word "curse" in everyday conversation?

A few months ago, right after Sabrina started the fourth grade, she was busily doing her spelling or vocabulary homework. I don't remember which one.

She spent about half an hour writing sentences using the words that were on her list that week.

Sabrina is a very meticulous and detail oriented person.
So, it came as no surprise, when she asked me to double check her sentences, to make sure everything was on the up and up.

They were all very good sentences.
Witty, clever even, and well they all made sense, which is ultimately the goal, when you are in the fourth grade.

I made my way down the page, and stopped at one of the last sentences she had written.
I read it once, then twice.

"My Grandpa says when I grow up, I will get the curse."

I tried, unsuccessfully, to stifle my laughter.

"Sabrina," I asked, "Do you know what the curse is?"

"No," she said, "but Papa says I will get it when I'm older."

"Do, you want to know what it is?"

"Sure," she said, "What is it?"

You probably know what "curse" my Dad was referring to.
You know the one..."Aunt Flow" or the "Monthly Visitor," or (insert your favorite term for "the curse" here).

As I started to explain "the curse" that would someday befall her, she held up her hand,

"Ewww Mom, that's gross."

Thanks Dad.