Wednesday, June 9, 2010

IT'S A GOOD PLACE TO BE

Dr. Bernie Siegel, a cancer surgeon wrote, "Show me a patient who is able to laugh and play, who enjoys living and I'll show you someone who is going to live longer. Laughter makes the unbearable bearable, and a patient with a well developed sense of humor has a better chance of recovery than a stolid individual who seldom laughs."

If that saying is true, Chris certainly did his part to increase his chance of recovery. He never lost his sense of humor. Even in the week prior to his death, the nurse, Debbie, commented to me regarding what a joy he was because he and his brother just kept her laughing.

He may have lost some hair, some weight and during the surgery several body parts... but, he never lost his sense of humor.

One day we were at the cancer center for a doctor's appointment. As was typical, the waits were long. But, this particular day it was exaggerated by a FORTY-FIVE minute wait just to check out so we could leave. By the time we made it up to the assistant who was scheduling next appointments and so forth, we were beyond tired. Chris greeted the lady by saying, "The cancer center really is a great place to be if you are dying". Assuming he was referring to the extreme talent employed there, she smiled and nodded. Chris continued, "because the last 45 minutes has felt like a lifetime".

I burst into laughter, he smiled and the shocked assistant muffled a laugh.

2 comments:

  1. remember more of his comments... I can't remember them- but I recall you telling me more at the time...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you for the help Christine. If anyone else actually CAN help re-fresh my memory... please do. Otherwise, there is ONE comment I CAN remember.

    ReplyDelete