I keep it on my desk, not in a frame, mind you... just out, because it makes me laugh and it makes me feel loved.
It was taken the summer of 1994. That summer, a few months after I had mono, I developed Bell's Palsy. The right side of my face was paralyzed to the extent that my right eye wouldn't even close or blink. My mom is taking the picture and saying, "Come on everyone, smile! Carrie, I said SMILE!" I am belly laughing. I am close to tears, but you wouldn't know it. That's what makes me laugh. Imagine walking around with that face (not to mention those high-waisted-pleated shorts and vest). I had to life-guard with that face... talk to people daily with that face...
The part that makes me feel loved is that my siblings (and even the dog) are about as sympathetic as siblings need to be. Largely, they are laughing AT me, but there's a tiny portion of their teasing that's laughing WITH me... which makes up for the facial paralysis.
17 comments:
I didn't notice anything amiss. I thought it was just an old candid that caught you off guard. :) Love Love Love the pic! because it reminds me of 1994 too haha. You're soo cute,.. just as beautiful then as you are now,..You have ageless beauty I think :) because you will always look like you! my fun and fancy free friend!
That is how I will always remember you Oscarson kids, minus the Bell's Palsy. Aren't you all still living down on Hatteras Lane and Todd and I are coming to babysit?
those are the oscarsons i know and love.
Now THAT is how I see my cousins.. even to this very day-- in my head-
that's the vision. Now about the paralysis.. how is it i don't recall such an astonishing diagnosis? Shouldn't there of been some family newsletter about that one?? Was I too busy shopping at fashion Bug to notice?? so happy for you that 'cleared up'!
Love it.
My Girl, you have been through a lot. I would have never even notice anything was wrong, but I could not help but notice "those high-waisted-pleated shorts and vest". (I think I had an outfit pretty close to that myself.)
You are Loved!! :-)
Yes, my face in that picture is clearly more mocking than sympathetic, and I suppose it would be asking too much of Solveig to give you a "bless its heart." I can't believe you are laughing so hard in that picture. There's just no way! Poor thing--so weird that you had that.
p.s. Who knew some day we would all miss living together so much? Julie--you can come babysit me anytime, but I charge way more than $.10 now days for a foot rub! (You're brilliant, by the way.)
Where was I? Was that the summer I was working my big, important job at Blockbuster Video? Or was I off pretending to go to college? Poor Bell's Palsy. But look how tan you are! I love my family.
That is adorable and hilarious...and actually sounds a lot like me and my siblings. :)
that is a super fun picture...i love that you have it out to look at everyday.
i loved reading all about your florida adventures! it's funny b/c certain facial expressions or comments todd has/says make me think of james...it's like a rhodes trait. i am sure that his co-workers think he's funny...so grandpa rhodes!:)
hope you are doing well...glad you got to have a great vacation.
This photo makes me happy as well. You were all so much fun to be around. I use to love your big feather bed and the architect table and the hoard of kids down the hall. I was also fascinated with Amy & Chip as I sooo wanted an older sibling to show me the ropes.
What a great picture - bell's palsy and all!
I miss those days. And I love you so much! I'll ALWAYS laugh with you... or at you... whatever you'd like.
he he, you have a funny smile.
You know I love you more than my luggage.
What kind of mother says, "Smile Carrie!" when she knows you are paralyzed? I must not have been too worried about your recovery or your self-esteem!
I just looked at the photo again and Em's face made me laugh! I mean, come on, how boring would it be if they were all serious and sympathetic and careful of your feelings? What's the fun in that?
Somewhere out there, Amy was laughing at you, too. Whoops WITH you. WITH.
I remember passing through Houston and stopping through to visit when your face was all floppy. That was awesome!
I had Bell's Palsy when I was in first grade. I remember after I got better my mom reminding me to smile normal. Thanks for sharing your giggles, I needed a laugh.
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