Thoughts for Humor

Ann Lamott is great at being honest and finding humor in the most terrible times. She wrote about her dying friend and the humor they found together. Because of her, I've learned to speak out about the ridiculousness in the worst times.

It helps.

My grandma is 94. Shortly after my grandpa died, she moved into assisted living. She had an apartment and was mostly independent. Just a few years later, she needed to move into the nursing home part so she could receive more assistance. Her apartment was smaller. She no longer had her own kitchen to bake her favorite pies. Just a few years after that, she moved to an even smaller apartment. She has a bed, a tiny bathroom, a chair, a window and a sink.

When I call, she sounds sad and worn out. I live 400 miles away. There isn't much I can do. So, I make her laugh. I say ridiculous things. "Perhaps you are out of breath because you have been exercising too much." I asked her if she "races down the hall in her wheel chair." She laughs because all she is able to do independently is move from her bed to her chair and back again.

I know it isn't much, but I can hear the joy boost her.

In the worst of times, a good friend makes you laugh. A good friend shows you the ridiculousness of the situation. A good friend takes you away for the pain for a moment.