The "F" Word

My closest friends may remember this story, but it is worth repeating, as it is one of my favorites. A story from one of my friends (Mary Beth Holley) on Facebook this morning recalled this to memory.

When Richie, now 16, was about 5 years old, he was much like a little man. We could have grown-up conversations, which I encouraged quite often. My favorite place to have our talks was in the car on the way to school. I would turn the radio off and let him talk about things that were on his mind.

One morning, he had something weighing on his heart. He started, "Mom, I have something to tell you, but you aren't going to like it very much." Of course, my concern was raised now. What could he possibly have going on in his 5 year old life that was serious enough to have him worried?

"What is it Richie? Just tell me, I won't be mad." Again, he warned me that I wasn't going to like it. Then again, I assured him it was okay. He finally came out with it. "Grandma said the "F" Word in front of me."
"Oh," I said, "I will talk to Grandma about that, but I want you to not ever use that word. Okay?"
Looking relieved at finally getting it off his chest, he says, "I can spell it." I told him no, that it was not necessary. He really wanted to though. So he sat there in silence for about 2 minutes. That is when it got the best of him, and he whispered loudly, "F - A - R - T".