February 26th is For Pete’s Sake Day. I find myself saying this now and then. Often I then think of someone I know named Pete/Peter, and like many of you, I know a few. I wonder what they think of their name being used with such frustration, anger, or angst. A phrase such as ‘For Pete’s sake’ is called a minced oath. It’s a euphemism for something else that would be otherwise taboo or offensive and likely having to do with calling on St. Peter.
How about we celebrate the Petes and Peters in our lives today. Afterall, they put up with our borrowing their name the rest of the year when we stub our toes and bump our heads. Let’s use today to make Petes a cup of coffee or a cookie. Perhaps, if you don’t know a Peter, you could read a book by a Peter, or listen to some Peter, Paul and Mary, catch an episode of Columbo starring Peter Fonda, or some Peter Capaldi in Maleficent or Dr. Who.
It would also be a good day to share this Peter Pan joke: Why is Peter Pan always flying? He Neverlands!
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