When I look around at rambunctious and unruly children today, literal curtain climbers, I often reflect back to my days as a child. Although fairly well behaved, I did get involved in my share of normal childhood mischief. However, things were not as they are now. Children were still children, curious and mischief prone, but the parents were different than today. Moms and dads back then ruled the roost, completely and firmly, never wavering in their position, or allowing their offspring to take control.
During my youth, time out was an unknown method of discipline. There were a few other options, but corporal punishment was the most commonplace practice. However, my mother knew how to rein me in without laying a hand to me. All it took was one single sentence. The mere utterance of her words calmed me down immediately, giving me pause to reconsider my actions.
Without the slightest hesitation, I behaved when she chastised me in a very stern voice, saying, “Wanda, if you don't stop right now, I'll shake your goozle out!”
I had no idea what a goozle might be, but was certain it was essential, something I needed to continue living. I learned early on that the critical organs of life were a heart, brains, lungs and, of course, a goozle. Whatever infraction I might have committed was not worth the risk of losing any of them, especially the latter.
Many, many years have now passed. My childhood is long gone. Quite frankly, I never figured out what a goozle might be. Thank goodness, I was never degoozled, but I was begoozled with my mother's threat. I smile, however, because I am confident I still have mine, and to this day don't want to chance losing my life sustaining goozle.
