Okay, let me tell you a story… just move along if you’ve heard this one. I got my ears pierced when I was 2 years old. I think the way the story goes is my sister, or my Aunt and sister took me down to the jewelery store and they gunned me down right there. I’m not sure if my Mom was aware of what they were doing, or she was aware and just didn’t want to see me cry. Funny thing was, I didn’t cry. I handled it like a champ, which is ironic considering I’d jump bail to avoid a shot. Everyone was thoroughly impressed at how brave I was. They talked about it all the time. I was proud. A couple weeks later we were in McDonald’s, or some fast food joint, and a woman approached my mom. She asked about the earrings, you know, the brave girl earrings. She wanted to know how I handled it. My mother bragged about how her 2 year old little darling didn’t flinch and never cried. The woman had an older girl and she wanted her ears pierced but was too scared. They approached me and asked if I would tell her how easy it was and how it didn’t hurt at all. I can only imagine how excited my 2 year old self got when that was suggested and of course I would tell this big girl all about it. The lady went over to get her daughter and brought her back over to our table, while I’m sure telling her about this 2 year old that was so brave. The girl looked at me with worry in her eyes and asked, “Did it hurt at all?” I paused and thought about it for a second then replied, “Oh yes, it hurt soooooooooo bad!” The woman grabbed her daughter and darted out of McDonald’s with what I’ve been told was not a happy look on her face. Truly, I don’t remember doing this, or why, but this story has been told in our family over the years. The specifics may be off, but the basics of the story are true. At two years old, I either had a fantastic sense of humor or a mean streak beyond my years. Somewhere, there is a girl in her 40’s wearing clip-on earrings that can vouch for it..jpg "Flashbach copy")
