This old photo just cracks me up. That's a 7 or 8 year old me on the left and my 4 or 5 year old brother on the right. Our cousin, Darren, is in the middle. I don't remember why our mouths were taped shut. I think we must have been arguing with each other and just wouldn't stop. So, our Moms taped our mouths closed.
Look at Darren. See how he's so mad? He's just miserable and his punishment is a real punishment. He's choosing to pout instead of laugh. If you notice, Brett and I aren't upset at all. Look at me - I'm happy because I think I've pulled something over on Mom. I had figured out that you could talk around the tape. During our whole punishment, I talked any time Mom or Aunt Rita weren't looking. But Brett? Brett just thinks it's funny - look at the twinkle in his eyes. Notice the toys in his hands. He never needed to talk to have fun.
I sit here and grin at this 30-something year old picture, and I think there might just be a life lesson in it. We all face trials and difficulties. And, we all have a choice in how we respond to them. We can get mad and pout and generally not have any fun at all. We can try to solve the problem and enjoy figuring it all out. Or, best of all, we can be like my brother. We can laugh, smile, and know that our time of trials will pass soon enough. We can remember that 15 minutes will be up before too long and Mom will let us take off the tape. In the mean time, why not laugh a little and enjoy a Little Golden Book?
15 comments:
I love it, of course if Child Protective Services had found out they'd have locked your Mother and Aunt up.
he's mad...cause back in my day..ha ha...they used to puncish the guilty with the innocent...to be sure they got the guilty party...... some things I am so happy they have change
you are a cutie
This is a great post! My neighbor used to pretend to tighten my jaw so my mouth wouldn't run so much! I just wonder what a bother I was when I went to my neighbors house for a visit. Imagine, I was allowed to go to 3 of my elderly neighbors houses when ever I wanted at age 3 and 4! I think I was their Dennis the Menace, LOL
@Relyn Hahahaha I wonder if your mom ever tried this again!!! and what u say at the end of the post is a thing to ponder about, something to remember when the times are dark.
Love the photo and the philosophy behind it. Now I never was a talker, so taping my mouth shut would not have been an issue. But I love the twinkle in your eyes.
Oh, yes, you and your brother do have that twinkle in your eye. I love this story, and it's so true what you learned from it. I like that philosophy and will remember to adopt it next time I feel like pouting.
I love this! That picture is priceless, and so is the lesson.
This is a great photo and a good lesson all these years later.
xo jj
What a great photo and story. I never had my mouth taped shut (amazingly) but I did once have it washed out with soap by my Granny! I'm not too sure what I said - the punishment completely eclipsed my understanding of the crime.
So cute! You can just see the mischief in your young eyes :-)
I was the complete opposite as a child... never spoke a word. In fact my teachers thought I may have a speech issue for a while! I've more than made up for it since...
Oh, I love this picture! And such a good lesson, too!
Also, it reminds me of the time I went to an interview and the lady interviewing me asked if I was related to a certain Helen B. who was one of her gradeschool teachers. I perked up, "Why yes, she's my grandmother!"
"She taped my mouth shut," she continued.
"We were never close"
OK, I didn't say that last bit. Luckily, the lady laughed and admitted to the fact that she deserved it. Still. :)
Hahahaha, this is the best! I can't help but giggle. You're absolutely right. It's all how you look at it. And never let a piece of tape suppress your smile. :)
Even at an early age, you knew how to make lemonade.
:)
Relyn I am so pleased your Mum or Aunt thought about taking a photo while you all had the tape on your mouth.
Lovely story my friend.
Hugs
Peggy
Hi Relyn me again over 2 years later.
I saw the link to this post on your latest post so thought I would check it out.
Great reading it again and love the photo.
Take care
Big hugs
Peggy xxxxxx
Post a Comment