SARCASM

The hospice nurse and I visited “Barbara”, an 84 year old, who suffers from lung cancer.  Barbara is widowed and has three daughters.  One daughter, “Diana”, lives with her and is the primary caregiver.  The two other daughters, “Jackie” and “Samantha” live nearby.  The three daughters all share caregiving support so that Barbara is never left alone. 

The minute we walked in, Barbara had me laughing.  She would say these funny, outlandish statements with a straight face.  Her humor strongly hit my funny bone and I found myself laughing more than usual.  Barbara would then look at me and have a great big smile because she made me laugh. 

More folks than not use humor to cope.  It is a wonderful strategy that takes the edge off the seriousness of situations.  When out conversation turned a bit more serious, I saw deep love inside of Barbara.  Her father died forty years ago.  She misses him every day.  She denied any fears about dying, strongly believing she will be with her father again.  

There was a part of her that reminded me of me.  I, too, have a very positive sarcastic humor.  I learned that from my father.  Sarcastic humor is outrageous humor that whom you are teasing knows that you are joking.  It is never ones attempt to hurt someone.  I, too, feel my dad’s presence frequently.  It is very comforting as I knew he is always nearby; as is Barbara’s father forever close to her side.

SARCASM

 

So many people that I meet,

use playful sarcasm to cope.

You tease someone on their strengths

in a tangled, twisted, inventive way.

 

She had me laughing from the start.

Her words were outrageous

and so not at all true.

                    Sarcasm at its best.

 

With each admission visit,

I have to ask certain questions.

“Are there any weapons in the home?”

At times, sarcastically adding, “Any AK-47s?”

 

She quickly pointed while disclosing,

“I have a machine gun under my couch!”

My sudden laughter had me saying,

“I should be professional here,

but that’s not going to happen.”

 

When asked if she has any fears or concerns,

she shared, “I’m either going up or going down”.

Then softly touching her heart, she gently said,

                    “My father is with me always.”

 

I, too, am very close to my dad.

He gave me two beautiful gifts

that I will always and forever cherish.

One being incredible, unconditional love,

along with hilarious, sarcastic humor.

 

Each and every day, I’m aware and deeply feel;

“For all that you have given me;

my dear loving and funny, Dad,

all I can simply say is,

                    Thank You!”