That's a marvelous and very historical turn of phrase. Aside from the Twilight Zone and other such modern retelling, the old "first books" tell of curses and blessings being, in a way, the same side of the coin, and, as a very fine sermon I had heard so long ago, even the Beatitudes with their blessings contain by implications the curses.
Such that, when we hear "blessed are the peacemakers," we are suggested to imply "cursed are...."
The tale of your mom is wonderful. Thanks for that. Best wishes.