A Friday Funny

Each night as the children retire to bed they take their latest book-friend with them and read a spell before turning out the lights. Many a childhood classic has shared the pillow with one who drifts off in the midst of a good tale.

Of late, Rachel has taken to reading the American Medical Association's Encyclopedia of Medicine. Daily we receive assurances that in the event of an emergency situation she stands at the ready -- the latest offer being to perform the delivery of a baby here at home. I smiled warmly and assured her that we would surely have no need for that. (She seemed unconvinced and remains vigilant.)

Last night as our family engaged in a rousing game of Phase 10, I made mention of a cauliflower ear and Rachel immediately piped up to inform me of the intricate process of developing just such an ailment. Smiling again, I thanked her for the detailed information and continued to play the game (albeit with an added bit of queasiness).

As the play intensified, Gary continually amused us with the furrowing of his brow as he studied his handful of cards and dithered over potential moves.

"Dad," gasped Elizabeth, "Don't do that, you're gonna need Botox if you keep it up."

I chimed in, "Your forehead may stick that way!"

The furrowing continued, as did the Botox banter.

"You're gonna have a Botox problem if you keep it up . . ."

Finally Lydia shouted out, "What's Botox?"

To which Rachel quietly murmured, "It's your bottom."

Laughter erupted and Rachel said, "What? I read about it . . . "

"That's buttocks, not Botox," we all chimed in amidst hearty laughter and a blush from our budding physician.

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I believe it is time to get an updated medical encyclopedia . . . ours is from '89 and doesn't contain a single reference to Botox.