We admitted “Leo” to hospice today. He suffers from lung disease and had been doing quite well. He has now been in a six-week slow decline. We met with Leo’s wife, “Marianne” and his daughter, “Katie” in the living room of their beautiful home.
Humor is a beautiful and huge tool that helps this family cope. They were all beautifully sarcastic. They instantly triggered my humor as I, too, am sarcastic. When one teases in a good and positive way about someone’s strengths, it is not hurtful, but funny for all.
What Leo and his family are going through is so difficult. One will grab what helps them cope. Humor can be the best gift of all.
HUMOR
He was diagnosed with lung disease
three and a half years ago.
He had been doing quite well
until this past month or so.
Now he is somewhat weaker;
needing a bit more help.
He is eating less and losing weight;
but his humor remains strong.
He amazed me with his wit
as it was sarcastic and full of fun.
He had a lot of material handy
as he just turned ninety-five years of age.
When the nurse asked him about any pain,
he responded by laughing, “I only give pain”.
His wife was ready with her sarcastic response
as she, while giggling said, “He causes pain”.
He denied any fears or concerns about it all.
“I was a professor for over forty years.
Along with having a wonderful, loving family;
I have lived a good, long, fulfilling life”.
People die the way they live.
He may become weaker over the next few weeks,
but I know one thing that will never dissolve away;
his sarcasm; his banter;
his humor.
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