“. . . A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.” (Ecclesiastes 3:4)
“You have multiple sclerosis (MS).” My doctor sat motionless, as if to brace himself for my reaction.
“How bad is it?”
He answered simply, “You’re acute.”
In the midst of the dismal diagnosis, I enjoyed some private humor.
Oh, he thinks I’m cute! How nice
Acute meant severe. The MRI of my brain revealed lesions too many to count. The countless scars in my head led the neurologist to report, “Mrs. Chandler certainly has MS.” Not possibly. “Certainly.” It wasn’t good.
Surely, this was a time to cry. But humor is a welcome companion in my life. So I chose to let him guide my thoughts temporarily. It was a brief escape from the serious tone of the conversation.
In the weeks that followed, I endured symptoms associated with my exacerbation. I felt listless. Drained of life. I had no feeling in my hands. A tingly sensation invaded my hands and feet. IV steroids were prescribed.
My son, a pre-medical student, administered some of my intravenous drugs. To make the liquid drain faster into my vein, Rob hung the bag from the ceiling fan. Suddenly, our eyes playfully met. We both were thinking, “What if we turned on the fan?” Yikes!
My exacerbation ended. I had a sense of urgency to clean up clutter. The course of my disease was unknown. The only things for sure: My disease would progress and there was no cure.
I enlisted my son’s help to organize things in our shed. He was willing, but inquisitive.
“Why are we doing this?”
“Because I have MS. . . That sounded like I said, ‘Because I have a mess.'”
We both got a good laugh about it. Both were true facts!
My regular interferon shots left bruises and blotches. Close friends who shared my sense of humor teased about connecting the dots!
Do I laugh all the time? Certainly not! Often, I’ve cried. Having to stop teaching second grade caused grief. Such loss. The untimely, unwanted end of a cherished job and ministry.
But, God enables me to be joyful. “A happy heart makes the face cheerful.” (Proverbs 15:13).
Prayer: Praise be to you, dear Father! For You have put a song in my heart. You are the joy of my life in spite of my pain and illness. In Your precious Son’s name, Amen.
About the Author:
Vicki understands special needs as a patient, parent, and professor. She has had multiple sclerosis since 1993. Her 31 year old son was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. She’s taught special education as a teacher, administrator, and adjunct professor. Through her online community she reaches out to other parents of children with special needs. http://theblogfrog.com/1505794
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Have you been able to keep your sense of humor amid affliction?
Vicki,
Your article reminded me of my mother and her ten year battle with cancer. She got through those years using humor to brighten each day, doctors appointment, treatment, etc. My mom and her sister had an uncanny ability to utilize humor to make the journey lighter .This brought them very close. I was the more serious one, being the daughter, but the memory of the humor has been helpful as I cope with my own illness now.
Dear Peggy,
Your comment reminds me of my father’s two year battle with lung cancer. My dad showed me how to die. He provided a wonderful example of love in the midst of suffering. Ignoring his pain…thinking of everyone else. With little ability to speak in the end, he carefully chose his words to share precious messages for each family member.
My sister (Peggy) and I used humor to help us get through witnessing his slow exit from this life and entrance into glory.
Vicki, this is such a good reminder, along with a couple of other ways God has recently brought this healing, helpful way of looking at things to my attention.
I wonder if some of us are afraid people will not understand how awful we feel if we start laughing more.
I don’t know, but my hubby and I make an effort to find the truly funny things in our lives. When we can get to the place where we can laugh at ourselves, at least part of the time, we experience more freedom and true humility.Not only that, but using our God-given sense of humour can also make those around us more relaxed.
Thanks Vicki.
Blessings,
Beth
What a great point, Beth…some of us may be reluctant to share our sense of humor (about our illness) for fear others won’t understand how awful we feel. That’s certainly a thought that’s passed through my mind. Your other point is why I’m more inclined to keep a merry heart: it tends to relax those around me. Have a joyful day!