File:Pickles Eyeball Cartoon.jpg

My sister Kathryn sent this to me. You will notice she wrote a note on the top of it: "Kind of like the finger in the box." Since there is a story behind the comment I will share it.

I was in grade school and living in Edmonds, WA in the 70s. Going to the orthodontist was a weekly trek for me. It was a pleasant two mile walk to the clinic.

Reading was a favorite pastime for me and I had read about a really neat trick. It was simple. Take a small box, cut a hole in the bottom of the box, stick finger through the hole and bend at joint so finger lies flat in the box. The finishing touch was to paint the joint red and pack cotton around it.

Putting the lid on the box I now had a concealed finger in the box. Cool! Now what was I to do with it? Ah.... the ladies at the orthodontist will love this!

Before I entered the office I got everything prepared. The finger, the cotton, and lid were all in place. The staff pleasantly greeted me. Excitedly I told them about the horrid car accident I had witnessed on my walk. I just had to show them what I found! They patiently waited as I pulled the small box from my pocket. They bent over, curious to see my find.

Removing the lid, I was filled with satisfaction as they gasped with horror at the severed finger. When they hesitantly touched it I gently wiggled it. I thought their reaction was great!

I don't remember for sure how Mom found out about it. She was horrified at what I had done. Certainly it made an impression. It is a childhood story which has endured for almost 50 years.

source:Jim Baur memory.