Laughing in the face of Illness

Smiles and laughter can be disarming.  I recently went to my eighth medical specialist in five months.  This one is a pain specialist.  It is a bit disheartening to repeat again and again my challenges.  They just refer you on.

But this one felt different.  I think it was her smile and laughter as we talked about the story line and how ridiculous it can get to be.  No polarity, no duality, no two sides, just two people as one, laughing and smiling about illness.  My wife and I left the office lighter.  And the medication?  Well, I think it was her smile.

As we got in the car in the parking lot, I noted an older couple also coming out.  The husband was moving ahead to a large red pickup truck.  His wife was pushing a walker for stability.  As he opened her door and I saw how high the seat was, I told my wife, “I wonder how she will ever get in?”  But with a quick turning her back to the seat, he lifted her up and set in  the truck in the blink of an eye. 

  We were amazed at how smoothly this older couple worked together.  My wife rolled the window down and hollered a big “WOW” to the husband.  He came over to the car smiling and remarked.  “I hate to admit this but that is about the only time I get to have my hands on her.”  We all laughed and turned to go home.  Laughter in the face of illness really is the best approach.  And I met some really special people today.