Marie Grows Up!

Did any of you ever have a terror of Bloody Mary when you were kids?
I know I did. Shudder!
You probably didn't know this, but she actually lived in the first/second grade bathroom at my elementary school -- my sister-in-law can attest to this. Word on the street was that if you turned off the lights she could appear in the mirror. I had been known to be caught on the pot when suddenly the lights were turned off, and let me just tell you, AAAAAAAGGGCCKKKTTT!!! The scream inside your tiny soul at that moment is fairly garbled and indistinguishable. Makes you just want to hold it until you get home, but that's an awfully long day.
Needless to say, the fear of Mary has stayed with me, lo, these many years. There have been many, many frantic in-the-dark handwashings, carefully avoiding looking in the mirror lest she be there, looking back.
Last night, Liv was sick, and came about three to ask me to help her get a drink. I was very surprised when she went back to her own bed, so I just went right ahead and answered nature's call, thoroughly washed my hands, and climbed into my bed. It wasn't until I was settled that it occurred to me like a bolt of lightning. I Didn't Think Of Bloody Mary Once! It was my first Mary-free potty in roughly 22 years! Could I have turned over a new leaf? Does this mean I am ... Dare I say it ... Maturing?
Is this the new Marie?

Could be.
But something tells me there will be many wild leaps into the bed yet. Because the first grader inside of me is still there, loud and proud.
The End.