Curt – MAN ALIVE!

Curt
January 2016
curtis

So, I know that I was not going to talk about Curtis any more, but he had me in stitches again last night.

I can’t even remember what we were talking about at first, oh ya, It was after dinner and we were talking about the tallest men in history. Duncan mentioned that Andre the Giant was 7′ 4″ and weighed 500 pounds.  I exclaimed, “Man alive!” 

Curt said, “Mom, why do you always say that?”

“What?”

“Man alive.”

I started laughing. It really sounded like nonsense the way he said it. “Do I really say it a lot?” 

“Yes! All the time!” What does it mean anyway?”

I was laughing so hard. I can’t believe I say it THAT much. Duncan explained to Curtis that it was an exclamation similar to how Mom says “Oh my land!” (Now. I know I say THAT a lot.) J.D. says “Holy Cow!” You know, since we try not to take the Lord’s name in vain, we come up with phrases to express our feelings of surprise. Lots of people do it.

I asked Curtis, “Haven’t you heard other people yell, ‘Man alive!’?”

“Yes. But those are the weird people.” Now that REALLY got me laughing. 

In between laughing spurts we began brainstorming times when the words “Man ALIVE!” would really be applicable. This is what we came up with:

When Dr. Frankenstein’s creation took its first breath
When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead
In an alien movie
At the birth of a child

“So, Curt, do you think I am weird for saying “Man alive!” for no real reason?

“No.”

“Why?”

“Because your cool.” Hmm. Not bad. I think I’ll keep this kid.

“Why are you so nice to me, Son?”

“Because you are my mom. I am suppose to respect you.”

“Why?”

“It’s a commandment. People should be thankful for their mom and dad and be nice to them.”

“Can you tell me the commandment word-for-word?”

“Thou shalt honor your mother and father.”

“What are some ways that you honor me?”

“I mostly don’t.”

“Why do you say that?”

“I mostly don’t practice my piano.”

“Well, maybe you don’t honor me all the time, but in what ways DO you honor me?” 

“Well, I set the table, I help you make dinner, I love you so much, Mom!”

“I love you too, Curt! By expressing your love to me, you honor me.” 

“Duh.” He said casually. Oh brother.

These sweet sentiments sure would have come in handy this morning when he was so frustrated with me for HAVING to finish one more email before riding our bikes together to school this morning. He really let me have it. I was sure to remind him to be nice to me.  “Man alive!”

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