A Family Curse, or Merely Coincidence?

Today gives me the willies,  the creeps, and the heebie-jeebies. By durned, today I am going to change that. For the past thirty five odd years, when February 11 rolls around, everyone in my family holds their breath, waiting for tragedy to strike. Nothing bad has happened in almost thirty years, but the stigma remains.  I am hoping the dates are merely weird coincidences. 

It all started, at least in my recollection, in 1970, when my oldest sister almost died in childbirth, giving birth to twins. Luckily she survived, and the twins are lovely women today.

In 1975, my Mother had her first heart attack on Feb. 11, as my parents were leaving their accountant's home after doing their taxes.

In 1976, our house burned down on 2/11. Mommy was in the hospital following her second heart attack at the time.

On February 11, 1979, my dear Mother passed away, from liver failure.
We buried her on Valentine's day. I couldn't stand the thought of Valentine's day for  at least ten years after.


As I stated, nothing bad has happened since Mommy died, but the day lives on in our memories as one of sadness and tragedy. Today, I change all that.

I am having my daughter's baby shower today. I am hoping that by planning a joyous occasion today, will overshadow all the past occurrences, and the date will no longer bring a feeling of dread.

Yes, my sisters were aghast at my planning this on such a horrible date, but frankly, my family needs some joy on this day, and I plan to give it to them (myself). And, No, they will not be coming, as bad weather is predicted in their neck of the woods. The question in my mind is, are they not coming due to the possibility of bad roads, or superstition? Their loss. We will be having a grand ole time, celebrating the life of my first grandchild, and my daughter's transition into motherhood.


Not being particularly superstitious by nature, I am hedging my bets by writing this piece. If any of you dear, precious Gatherers have a free moment, please send a good thought my way this afternoon. Cross your fingers, say a prayer, light a candle, rub a rabbit's foot, dance naked around a fire, whatever comes to mind, or floats your boat.  It will be most appreciated.