29 March 2009

"Thumbsucker"


I used to suck my thumb(s). Both of them; I think I used to switch back and forth when one became too sore. I had calluses on the top of each thumb where my lower teeth rubbed. I remember wondering if those calluses would ever go away. They did go away and I mostly forgot about thumb sucking but I think I stopped only because I was starting first grade and the nuns said it was time, so my parents put a nasty tasting tincture on them every day and night. If I started sucking in my sleep I'd wake up with a truly nasty taste in my mouth. Today, there are other methods more modern and fun like ThumbBusters.  For a little history about Pacifiers in general, check out Wikipedia.

I have considered that thumb sucking may have led me to other oral pleasures like cigarette smoking and of course my life long love of tasty tasty foods. I have been highly motivated to search out new foods because of  mouth hunger.  But that is beginning to fade as my taste buds age and I become less appreciative of the flavors in my food.