The Italian Curse

It's funny how many cultures practice curses and seek revenge.  Not only are curses cultural but they have a history too.  "Generational curses" are mentioned dated back to Bible times.  I remember my Mother threatening the "Italian Curse" on me many times throughout childhood when I would act out or on bad behavior.  She would always have her index and middle fingers pointing at me furiously while putting this threat on me.  She would never dare put her fingers to her eyes and place them back at me, while wishing something awful to happen, because this carries out the curse.  I am not sure where this originated, but I have learned it is something to take seriously and with caution.


Most of my family could explain the Italian Curse to you and tell you that it really does work,or at least we claim it does(seemed to work for our Aunt Ruth).  When Ruth got pregnant at a young age, my Gram lifted her index and middle fingers, brought them to her eyes, placed them back in Ruth's direction and wished her to have a dreadful child.  Oddly enough, the "curse" followed through.  Before David even entered this world he caused a lot of stress on his Mother.  As he got older these problems progressed from a colic baby, troublesome teen, and to a father of three in and out of trouble with the law today.  It is very sad, but true.  This story is not one I tell for giggles, I use it to explain why my Mother would never place her fingers in my direction and wish a horrible curse on me. Remember, never make an Italian angry ; )

Yes, it's My Life, What's it to you?

A new decade has started, it's 2010...sounds odd to say, doesn't it? I thought by now we'd be flying cars through the sky like the Jetson's...but despite our lack of automobiles in the air, our world seems to be soaring at the speed of light.  It's hard to even find a family who sits down to eat dinner together with their hectic schedules.  I was recently assigned a task to complete some journals on whatever thoughts my little heart would like to jot down...here is a little something I think about quite frequently...the power of one person's patience for another.  Can I, or can you share a bond with someone through the simple act of listening?...or is it a possibility to think that we can have effects on this someone too? I know personally that it means the world to me if someone will take a moment of their day, just listen to what I have to say.

Everyone at some point in time comes across one of those strangers that spills out a life time in a few minutes. Many of these strangers do not even realize that they are rambling on, but it is clear that everyone needs to be cared for and as hard as it is for the listener, everyone needs listened to! Most people might find this to be completely absurd…a stranger telling them about their long lost aunt they just met, or a job they just lost? In my short time of living, I have discovered a quality that I have and love to share. I found that I can easily relate to those strangers that need a listener. I enjoy hearing their stories, and sometimes lend a helping hand or share some words of my own.


Each story is unique in its very own way but breaking down the scenes, generally we all have the same problems, wants and needs. It’s hard to find someone that will sit down with you and give a care of what is going on in your life. That’s why I try my hardest to do so for others. They may say to themselves with a puzzled look on their face “Yes, it’s my life, what’s it to you?”…and if they were to ever mention this out loud, my response would simply state “We all have something important to share, and your story is just as important as anyone else’s in this world.”


Perfection at any goal is never an outcome and neither is total happiness forever. I will never perfect the world or happiness of a person, but to know in my heart that I might have helped someone for even a day is a kind act of courtesy that is worth every second of my time. If you don't already, next time a stranger sitting next to you begins to tell you too much, just crack a smile and sink in the outrageous ups and downs of life. Remember, we all have a story to be told!