Sometimes Laughter Really is the Best Medicine

My husband Cory and I were driving home from church a few weeks ago. It was warm out, so Cory opened the windows. Apparently, my resulting windblown hair was a bit too windblown. We stopped at a light, Cory turned to me wide-eyed, and without hesitation, remarked, “Whoa, you look just like the guy from The Shining…after he went crazy”. Ha! Not the best compliment I have ever received, being compared to Jack Nicholson; his brilliance maybe (lol), but appearance… yikes! I couldn’t stop laughing contemplating the comparison. I still get a chuckle when I remember the look on Cory’s face when he saw me.

The past few years have undoubtedly been difficult, but the daily doses of laughter that I am provided, by the two most important men in my life, are invaluable. Both my husband and my dad somehow manage to crack me up at least a few times each day. A good alternative to crying; there really is a fine line between the two.

I don’t know how he does it, but the things my dad says, or the looks he gives, make me laugh until I’m crying. During these fits, my body becomes completely useless and tasks like getting into the car become an almost impossible feat. My mom, being the level headed one, gets a little frustrated, worried I am going to end up in a heap on the ground. This only results in us laughing harder.

In addition to the comparisons, apparently I also laugh like Negan (TWD), Cory keeps me entertained with his many impersonations, his humorous commentary that accompanies all TV shows and commercials, and the crazy rides he gives me while I’m on the commode chair. Never a dull moment.

The ability that my dad and Cory have to make me laugh isn’t the only thing they have in common. My comfort and happiness is paramount to them. They both ensure that I get outside to enjoy the sun, take me to watch the kids at their activities, deliver my latte each morning and pray that somehow I will be cured. My dad makes sure that I get up and stretch throughout the day and is constantly building things to make my life easier and more enjoyable. With my uncles, he has built a wheelchair ramp, a storage shed, and my favourite, a beautiful deck that I can easily access from my kitchen. Cory has learned all the aspects of my care, including tube feeding, mixing and administering my IV medication and working the machines I use regularly. He listens when I need to vent and gives the best hugs when I am down.

So for all of the things that my dad and husband do for me I am truly grateful, but count laughter as one of the greatest. Besides the obvious benefits of laughter, it being a good stress reliever and mood enhancer, it also boosts the immune system and stimulates many organs. Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increase the endorphins that are released by your brain. The Mayo Clinic. I can use all the help that I can get!

I missed posting this in time for Father’s Day, but I wanted my Dad and Cory to know I’m thankful for them every day.

Until next time…may the laughter continue. 😉