Me, when I was funny…
For most of my adult life, I’ve gotten by on laughs. I’ve written about it before; laughter is my Teflon™. I’m incredibly sarcastic; I’m self-deprecating to a fault, and I’ve learned to be funny when I’m complimented, uncomfortable, happy, sad, embarrassed, proud, in pain… Make a joke, and fill the space; that’s how I generally operate. It’s how many people see me; it’s what they expect from me. In fairness, I’ve consciously and unconsciously created the image, by being someone who is often “on.” Most of the time, my funny owns me; I don’t necessarily own it. It’s my Teflon™.
But things have been hard lately. I’m having trouble rolling with the punches… and the punches have been non-top and hard. Frankly, there’s been enough personal stuff to keep my funny on over-time, but it’s the physical that has shoved me off the ledge. If I was a religious person, I might be questioning God and why bad things happen to good people. I believe that I’m a good person, for the most part. I believe in the motto: Do no harm; I live by it; I write by it. I do my best. I’m certainly not perfect, who is? I’m a passionate person, so sometimes I lose my temper. I swear a lot. I’m sure I’ve hurt feelings, even when I didn’t intend to. I’ve surely hurt feelings intentionally. I know that not everyone likes me, but I try to be likeable. I think of myself as a (mostly) good person, and again, if I were religious I might be questioning higher powers and meaning of life right about now. Honestly, if truth be told I’ve caught myself doing that anyway.
Do I sound sarcastic? Do I sound like I’m making jokes anyway, or that my tongue is stuck in my cheek? I’m not; it’s not. This week I hit a wall; I’m spent. I lost my funny, and its left me feeling adrift. I know it’s temporary, but as the walls close in, nothing sounds funny to me right now and that’s one more punch I’m just not up for.
I’ve been in a perpetual shit storm since December, and my ability to joke it off or roll with other people’s jokes has dried up. I have an in immune disorder that wreaks havoc with my life. Usually, I just deal with it. There are ups and downs, but I roll. I get IV infusions every 3 weeks, to manage infections and symptoms. And for the most part, it’s just part of my life. I certainly have my bad days and good one, but this past December I fell into a maelstrom of challenges.
It started with a severe sinus infection in December, that lead to breathing problems and 6 days in the hospital. It was miserable! My veins were blowing left and right; I couldn’t breath; and there was no Christmas tree at home… 10 days before Christmas. When I came home, I was weak, using an oxygen tank, and unable to do all the things I love to do. It was Christmas but things were upside down. Miracles occurred and I maintained a fairly good attitude, despite it all. Recovery dragged into January and early February. It definitely sucked my humor, but I needed my Teflon™ and it kept me going. Just as I was bouncing back, getting stronger, there was another sinus infection– probably the same infection, just not healing. It sucked. It hurt. It drained my reserves; but I continued to joke it off. We went out with friends and had drinks, and I made jokes. We all laughed.
As we packed for spring break, my doctor suggested that perhaps I wasn’t well enough to go. There were a few days of anxiety about it, given what had happened in December. However, I argued that sun and salt water would do me good. I needed the vacation, and I wanted to get out of my box, and shake the bad juju which was plaguing me. I suspect that most people would have done the same thing. I packed plenty of Afrin™, antibiotics– a veritable medicine cabinet, just in case. On March 28th we left with good friends, on a vacation to Belize that we’d all been planning on and looking forward to for months! Four teenagers, and four parents, on a sailboat off the coast of Belize– sailing to small Cayes (islands), snorkeling, diving (something I’ve wanted to do all my life!), cave tubing, fishing, eating great food, drinking rum drinks, swimming and playing daily, and generally having an amazing time– it was a dream vacation, we were all looking forward to.
At least, it started out that way. The change of climate and jumping into crystal clear, turquoise water had my sinuses feeling better– not perfect, but better, in the first days. We had a Captain (D), a cook (S) and a naturalist (A) on board, and they went out of their way to make every thing we did special. However, on April Fool’s (one of my favorite holidays) I went into the galley (kitchen) to ask the chef, S, for some ketchup– I’d been planning a great prank, for days. S was new to boats and only 21 years old. For the record: I have two kids older than her. I went into the kitchen to put some dishes in the sink and ask for some ketchup. When she couldn’t hear me whispering my plan, I took a step forward, and suddenly the floor literally disappeared and I was falling. S had left the hatch open. The “hatch” is an (approximately) 12×18 inch, rectangular opening in the in the floor, from which food scraps are thrown down for the fish. On a catamaran, it goes through part of the boat and drops about 5′ to the water. It’s wasn’t big enough for me to fall through, so I dropped full force and stopped when I slammed my left arm and entire left side on the decking. The last thing I really remember is her face as I repeated the word “ketchup”… I blacked out for seconds and then I was just in horrific pain. I could hear her crying out: “Oh my God; I left the hatch open! I’m so sorry! etc,” over and over… My husband and good friend Rosemary were off the boat, with the Captain, but the others all came running, and gathering around me. I could hear my son, Little Man, asking me if I was ok, with panic in his voice. I heard the others trying to figure out what to do, but I couldn’t move without searing pain from my armpits down.
I remember telling them that this was not an April Fool’s joke, and then trying to reassure S, who was very upset. As a mother I felt an instant need to reassure her, even as I lay there. She was so worried and upset. The pain was so bad, and as the others tried to move me, and then get a pillow under my head, I just kept telling them not to touch me… as I whimpered told S that I’d be ok. When I eventually could get up, I my side was bright red, there was bruising down my side, and a large hematoma on my palm and two fingers. My ribs were killing me and the area around my spleen was very tender. We got lots of ice and got me settled on the sofa… everything hurt.
When the Captain and others returned, it was explained that there was no real medical care in the area; if it was serious I’d need to fly outside of Belize. I was embarrassed. I was scared. A ruptured spleen requires immediate care, or you die. I felt self-conscious with everyone worrying, but I was worried about how bad things might be, and I could barely imagine doing anything… other than sit with ice. Without really thinking about it, I found myself falling into a pattern of trying to reassure everyone else that I was ok, cracking jokes (though it hurt to laugh) when I felt anything but. Honestly, there wasn’t much more to do. I’m allergic to pain medications, and despite lots of jokes, I didn’t want to drink much, because I already felt so off-balance. I couldn’t handle any further blurring of reality.
It has to be said: if this had happened at home, I would have been stuck on a sofa looking out at the usual– albeit, gorgeous usual, but what I see every day. In Belize, though it was hard to sit, stand, lay… I was in one of THE most beautiful places I’ve ever been. I was seeing more shades of blue than I knew existed; I could slip into the water (which was THE perfect temperature I’ve ever experienced in seawater) and float, which felt good; I could put on a mask and snorkel (carefully), to see an underwater world that blew us all away, and I was with dear friends, who all cared about me and were wonderfully supportive and kind. The staff too, went out of their ways to try and make me comfortable. It was really tough, but there were moments of amazing beauty and magic, each day we were there, despite the rest.
The trip home was miserable. Everything hurt, and it was hours and hours on planes and in cars. I have 4 broken ribs, and my spleen is bruised. I’ve had horrific hot flashes since the accident, probably an internal hematoma that’s resolving (I’m told)– talk about adding insult to injury! And did I mention, no pain medication. I’m allergic to everything but Tylenol.
When we got home, I just crashed. The energy of trying to be a good sport all week, and keeping up with the group (skipping diving, anything in a bouncy boat, or some things that I just wasn’t up for), but doing almost everything else, I just felt exhausted and drained. But this past Tuesday, the universe, the higher being, fate, whatever you call this crazy-ass shit storm… took another twist. I was making chicken, matzo ball soup for the second night of Passover, pulling out the sieve that fits in the soup pot, and held all the goodies that had cooked all day (chicken, carrot, turnip, celery, etc). The soup was at a rolling boil; I thought I was being careful… I was. But I was tired and my left side is weaker right now. All was fine, and then there was about a gallon of hot soup splashing on my chest, neck and arms. I didn’t even see it coming; suddenly it was just burning my skin. I threw myself at the sink instantly and turned the cold water sprayer on myself, as I tried to pull my scalding shirt off.
Another trauma. Another unbelievably painful assault on my body, and mind.
I’m a good cook; I’ve had burns before, but this was most of my chest, breasts, neck and upper arms. I can’t begin to describe the pain of that kind of burn. To his credit, Smart Guy suggested the hospital right away, but I was not myself… to say the least. Admittedly, I was near hysteria. I was in so much pain; I just couldn’t think clearly. I just knew that I didn’t want to deal with the hospital again. We got ice immediately, and then quickly found out (as Smart Guy looked up burns on-line) that ice is not what you do for serious burns. It can cause hypothermia. I was a mess almost from the start–I could not stop crying… ugly crying. The ice brought relief from the burning pain, but before I knew it I was shivering violently and my hands and feet were cold, and Smart Guy was anxious about hypothermia. Off to the ER we went. Doses of Valium did very little; I could not pull myself together and was crying, bargaining, begging, and wishing for anything that would make it stop. Insanely, I was embarrassed… at the hospital again, with more injuries. I found myself telling the doctors that I did not have Münchausen by Proxy. He assured me, kindly, that he was sure I didn’t. I was so grateful to the kind doctors and nurses, placing antibiotics and soft, cool clothes over the burns, as they reassured me.
The only photo I can upload or show… this is rated G blog. Those are smaller splash burns on my arm.
The only thing I can take tolerate morphine, so they gave me a shot, while they tended to the burns. Thirty minutes after the shot, I began to feel some relief and while there was discussion about admitting me, I insisted on going home, armed with oral morphine for later. However, while I sat in the car waiting for Smart Guy to fill that prescription, a while later, I had a reaction to the morphine, which caused intense abdominal pains and vomiting. All of this, with broken ribs was just unreal. This lasted about two hours, and when it finally subsided, I was finally able to sleep for a few hours… Tylenol and Valium on board.
No, that’s not cleavage… armpit. Miserable!
Enter the bong in this tale. Medical marijuana, it’s legal where I live and it was suggested, given my inability to tolerate anything else. I felt like a college student, giggling at the thought (then cringing because laughter hurts my ribs right now… another karmic slap in the face), unsure about how I’d feel trying it, and somewhat anxious about adding one more thing to the mix– not to mention the fact that I was hospitalized a few months ago, for serious lung issues. Hmm, not sounding ideal. A friend offered some “special brownies” to help, and all I could think was: Gee, I’ve already gained weight with all this sedentariness; that’s just what I need, a pan of brownies while I watch TV, which will inevitably lead to cravings for Doritos™!
There, that’s about all the humor I can manage.
Trying to wear clothes, and cover it up. Not easy.
Three days later, the areas of 1st degree burn look much better and are healing well. The 2nd degree burns are a bit weepy, starting to form scabs and are still very tender. It all burns, and looks ugly. I can’t stand a seat belt or anything other than very soft cotton– no straps or anything that binds. My teenage son finds my braless attempts at comfort awkward at best. He averts his eyes a lot, as he sweetly asks how I’m feeling. The burn area is bizarre to look at: you can see where liquid dripped and pooled, and there are distinct splash patterns and angry, red blotches where it burned deeper. I’ve stayed home for the most part, and have a particularly soft scarf to cover the area, when I went out for a while today. Mostly, I don’t feel particularly social.
Dealing with this much discomfort, with nothing but Tylenol for the past nearly 3 weeks, has been challenging at best. By mid-afternoon each day, my ability to cope runs thin and I am not the most pleasant person. Like I said, my funny has run out. I get why people joke with me; it’s the modus operandi with I’ve established, so people expect I’ll roll with humor. “Man, you need a team of doctors to go on vacation!” Ha ha. “What now (long drawn out now)?” Ha ha. “Wow, you really know how to make things interesting…” HA HA! I want to find it funny; I really do; but, I don’t. I don’t have my usual bag of quick quips to respond with; they stick in my throat. If I do joke, it’s a half-hearted effort to make things less awkward.
Vulnerability is a tough thing. As women, as mothers– perhaps most people, are wired to make things palatable, but I believe women deal with these things differently than most men. We want to put others at ease. I’ve spent much of my life trying to please and fix things, so this plays on all my personal weaknesses. Despite my reputation as an extrovert who likes the spotlight; I’m not as comfortable there anymore, and haven’t been for most of the past year or more. Dealing with this barrage of crises, heaped on top of day-to-day stuff, and some heavy family issues, it’s been harder and harder to regain my equilibrium and bounce. I can barely stand one more pitying comment or look, as well-intentioned as they are. I’ve shared the details way too many times, as people ask about the trip, or ask why I’m grimacing when I sit or laugh. Honestly, the details of the boat incident play over and over in my head, a trauma that left me truly shaken. Explaining it is reliving it. My brain is still working to put all of this in perspective and come to terms with what has now been months of issues.
So why write about it? Why replay it again? Because that’s what I do to figure things out; I write. I’ve written posts about our trip to Belize, but have been entirely unable to upload photos. It’s been driving me crazy, but I don’t want to post share those stories, until I can also share the images. So I’m writing this out. I’m not looking for pity, or reassuring assurances. Part of me just wants to curl up and stay in the security of my house for a long while… but I know that this can lead to depression pretty quickly. I’m trying to keep my head above water. I’m looking to find my groove again, and find the humor in all of this, but that may take a while.
If you have a good joke, not about me, share it. But please don’t try to make me feel better right now. That’s not what this is about. That may sound ungrateful or bitchy; it’s not mean to be. I’m just feeling fragile. I’m writing to help find the me that does bounce back… and I know I will. But for now, I’m just writing to figure some things out. For now, that’s what helps me move through this… well, and maybe some brownies. (Ok, see… writing, it pulls out my funny.)
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TALES FROM THE MOTHERLAND 
My prayers re with you, Dawn. God bless you, my Dear Friend.
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Thanks sweet heart. You rock! And you always make me smile. 😉
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Ah, you’ve been missed. That just sucks, plain and simple. And yet even in your present state, you write a mean story. That’s something, I guess.
Sending you healing thoughts from Maine. So many healing thoughts…
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That is something… coming from you, Jen. Thanks for your encouraging works. It helps. xo
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Oy vey iz mir! Good thing for you that I’m a prayin’ woman cause I just added you to my list. Get well soon, Kiddo. (It doesn’t seem right “liking” this post.) I’ll be back to check out the pics of Belize.
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Thanks Eleanor… hell, I always like to be liked! I hope to have the photo issue cleared soon. It’s taken some of the joy out of blogging. I’m anxious to get back in the saddle. I need that part of me, to make the rest of this seem less miserable. Thanks for your prayers… I just know you’ve got some pull!
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Oh Dawn! First up I have to say you bravely push through things where anxiety would not let me go. I wouldn’t have gone on the trip. I’m a wimp (I’ll say it before anyone else does).
I had tears reading about the ribs, and spleen fear…
And gasped ‘oh nooooooo’ out loud when I saw the burns coming…
I have no joke to help you, nor can I help from this distance practically…and I know what you mean about depression closing in at times but I just wonder, if an enforced period of rest where you actually tell yourself it’s OK NOT to do anything for a while, just to hang around here.., might not be a good thing? I think for me the depression comes when I think I should be doing something else, or be ABLE to be doing something else but if you allow yourself to just rest and heal………….rest! xx
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Thanks so much, Annie. Yes, enforced quiet is good. I do push myself. I called and cancelled making cookies for the Track Team today… but felt guilty. That said, it went well; now, I just want cookies, myself. 😉 Thanks for your supportive words; I appreciate your good thoughts. xo
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I forget that my youngest is older than yours so I don’t have that guilt over things like cookie making that I feel I should be doing…don’t know if that sentence even makes sense!! xx
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Yes, it makes sense. My youngest, 17, is certainly old enough to make due, but it’s just hard to have 2 (we have an exchange student too) teens here and not feel compelled to jump in. Thanks for the thoughtful words. xo
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Shit!!!! Okay, so my sister shares this picture she saw on Facebook, but it gets blocked from sharing so she has to describe it for me this morning. Imagine a police line-up. All of the suspects are yellow marshmallow peeps – Easter candy baby chicks, except for one which is a real baby chick with a thought-bubble above it’s head which reads: “This is bullshit!”
Just sending you some healing energy (you know I can do that). And to say that things seem to come in threes, so I think you’re done.
And hugs to you (but not big hard hugs that would hurt your burns), dear friend.
Cathy
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Cathy, you just made me lol! Thanks for that. If they come in threes, I’m actually past three, but who’s counting? I’ll take the healing thoughts, because yes, I do know you can do that! 😉 Thanks, dear friend. I appreciate it. xo
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Okay, I won’t try to make you feel better, but at least know that I commiserate with you. How terrible to go through that, and to have vomiting with healing rib fractures and a spleen injury is beyond cruel. I wish nothing but a smooth recovery for you from here on out.
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Thanks Dr. Rubin; I appreciate your commiseration! You’re the best.xo
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Hi, love, this is about as suckatious as possible, eh? Please share what you need other than a loyal group of readers. As hard as it is, you have to kind of lead the way here, which you’ve already started by sharing what happened. I was feeling something disturbing about you, and now I know what. There’s a strong connection for me because my son, Moshe, was also scalded, as a toddler, and we went through months recovery. I know from that about your pain. What would help you right now, Dawn? Love and very gentle hugs for you. S
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Thanks Susan… “love and gentle hugs” will do for now; thanks so much. I’m just not up for much more… but I’ll get there. Thanks for reaching out, even before this post. xo
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Oh DEAR. Dawn. A shocker. I wonder what the Universe is softening you up for? I reckon, knowing you, something pretty awesome…blessings to you, my friend xo
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The Universe better have something might sweet in store for me, Sarah! Really. Thanks for your kind support. xo
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That’s courage… It is sometimes helpful, I guess to see the fragility in us aND surrender. I appreciate you sharing this despite the pain of remembering in order to heal. I did this too and it’s not easy but things get better. 🙂
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Welcome to Tales From the Motherland, Pilipino; I really appreciate you taking the time to read my post ands share your thoughts. Your encouragement is so kind and thoughtful; thanks. I’m working on the surrender… right now, I’m just a bit wiped out. Your words really mean a lot. 🙂
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Dawn, What traumas you’ve suffered! I’ll pray for your recovery also. As a writer, I know you can use these horrible incidents in fiction as well as this non-fictional blog and that can help. It was healing for you to write about it, to let it out. The truly terrible part was that these were the kind of injuries that included debilitating pain. I would suggest that you just relax and let others take care of you for as long a time as you need. You’ve earned it. I know that for a wife and mother that’s difficult, but sometimes it’s necessary. I see that you have some truly great friends and that’s always a blessing. I’m wishing genuine healing for you. I also hope that your difficulties with the computer problems clear up, but I suppose those are minor problems compared with the others. All the best.
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PRS, thanks so much for your thoughtful comments. Oh, to let others take over. Apparently, asking, begging, whining, and bitching doesn’t actually get the jobs done! 😉 Thanks for taking the time.
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Oh wow Dawn, what a lot of tough stuff! I’ve missed you something fierce , now I see how full your hands have been with troubles…. Oh my.
All I can say is: love you, will send lots of prayers your way, and hey, thank goodness for the bong… 🙂
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Bongs are good, but apparently vaporizer are better… I’ve heard. I’m beginning to realize that I may need to explore, to get past this batch of shit. Thanks Kat. I’ve missed my blogging community terribly! Haven’t had it in me to read much (and had very limited wifi for nearly 10 days)… there are more than 500 posts sitting in my WP inbox! Eek! Thanks for the good stuff. xo
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Well, I can tell you at least that you aren’t the only one going through a bad patch, and part of the bad-patchery seems to be an inability to stay on top of blog-reading and blog-writing. So you’re doing pretty gosh-darned good, all things considered!
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No kidding! I have a cousin who’s an astrologer… she blames it all on the strange moon cycles and stars. Whatever it is, enough!
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Well, we’re not through it yet – the next week is supposed to be the height of whatever it is… and there’s still some moon action after that. Sigh. But it makes it feel less personal 🙂
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I may need to stay on my sofa… a lot longer. 😉
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Yes, you’ve had to deal with a miserable string of health issues and it totally sucks!!! I know you don’t want pity so I’m just sending lots of long distance love and a suggestion to add to your arsenal of healing options. My grown niece is a Reiki Master (and a warm and effective healer!). She conducts distance healing sessions and has clients internationally. I strongly recommend you contact her. Her name is Mara Bishop and her website is wholespirit.com.
Thinking of you at this difficult time….this too shall pass and you will get your funny back and your life/health. I know it!!! Xoxo Jocelyn
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Jocelyn! SO great to hear from you. Thanks. I have a couple of Reiki Masters in my arsenal, and I’m just starting to utilize them. I’ll check out Mara’s website, and appreciate you sharing it. Thanks for the long distance love. Going waaay back, you’ll always be a source of comfort. 😉 xo
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Sending you grade-A, premium positive vibrations and belly laughs to come. xx
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Sending back Premium thank you and appreciation. I’ll take those belly laughs… in due time, and match you. xo
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I’ve had a thought on your inability to upload photos. I may be completely wrong here, but maybe it’s a size issue. Maybe the files are just too large and need resized to be smaller? You could try http://download.cnet.com/Free-Picture-Resizer/3000-12511_4-10297789.html for example. Not promising it’ll fix the problem, but who knows? Also, have you contacted wordpess support about the issue? They might be able to help.
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I have contacted WP, nearly 2 weeks ago, and still no answer. I’ve always been a HUGE fan of WP support, but recently have had a few less than satisfactory responses. Strange, after so many stellar techs, who have been overly helpful! I have also resized my photos, but will try your link, and see if that helps. Thanks Adam. I’ve really appreciated your kind emails and support. For such a scary dude, you’re kind of a sweetie pie. 😉
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Wow, Dawn. Talk about life throwing you it’s curve balls. I’m glad you shared and hope it gave you some sort of relief. Gentle hugs, friend.
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Oh and I would’ve shared a joke, but I’m really not funny. Funny comes out in weird random moments for me. I mean, really, my favorite joke is the one about the horse that walks into a bar and the bartender asks “why the long face?” 🙂
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It’s a Catch-22, this sharing thing… as you know, Deanna, it’s what we writers do. I’ve heard more than once that my filters are even thinner than many others’, but we share for the same reasons… to connect, and to tell a story. Part of getting myself out of the rut, is naming it and staring it down. I’ll take that hug, friend.
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AnElephantCant tell his sweet friend how sorry he is to hear about all these traumatic experiences.
He has nothing funny to say.
Except:
How does AnElephant ask for a biscuit?
(Wave arm in front of face, trunk-like)
Can I have a biscuit please!
And mammoth apologies for not visiting more often
He has been pre-occupied with the release of his new e-book on Amazon.
Not a good enough reason to ignore lovely people he cares about.
Gentle hugs
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I appreciate AnElephant’s kind effort. Admittedly, I don’t feel particularly funny either… and that is rare for me! What a sweet treat (a biscuit even!) to find AnElephant here! And a funny joke to boot… makes the treat even sweeter. Thanks for that darlin’.
Your new book?! How did I miss that? Do share the title; I’m inviting you to brag here! 😉 How exciting– Mazel!
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AnElephantCant deny it’s been low key
Although he maybe just mentions it in passing
He thinks TFTM lives in a fog
Cos it’s all over his blog
You can find it right here on Amazon:
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Ooops, sorry, didn’t know it would put that big thingy on your nice blog.
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I don’t mind big thingies… wink wink, nod nod.
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Well, admittedly, I’ve been out of touch with posts just recently, and I don’t think either of us keeps up with the others’ blog! We are FF friends… with occasional benefits.
😉 Thanks for sharing your book!
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oi vey.. what a saga. At least you can write! xo
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At least… thanks, Lisa. xo
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Dawn, thank you for sharing this. Your ability to cope with unbearable pain serves as an inspiration to more people than just me, I’m sure. Reading this was difficult through the tears. Ya gotta wonder WHAT the big lesson is here. Surely Karma is not just testing you for the heck of it.
I can’t help thinking about this in a spiritual way since I’m reading this during a quiet moment on Easter morning. Renewal, rebirth – that kind of thing. As strong a person as I’ve always known you to be for others, now is when you need that just for you. Sending you love and the very gentlest of hugs. Oh, you asked for a little humor: hmmmm. What happened to the firefly when he flew through the fan? Well, he was de-lighted! I can hear you groaning, you know.
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Actually, you just got me to grin… ear to ear! Thanks for that, dear friend. I love that you could come up with a joke; I never can remember them! Try as I do… I have been giving a lot of thought to what the “message” could mean. I think that there are always lessons, when we pay attention. Honestly, it’s been hard to think it through… Pain is not exactly conducive to clear-headed processing. Thanks for the loving thoughts, Val. You’re true blue… and have been since fourth grade. 😉
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Pingback: My Funny Done Run Out…or…
So sorry to hear of all that’s been going wrong. One would never know it by the perpetual smile on your face and the generous remarks you leave on my blog. You’re my hero. I can only add my prayers and support to those of your other friends here…and send lots and lots of aloha and hugs to help you mend…inside and out. 😆
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Thanks Hugmamma! I get so much from my writing community… I appreciate your kind comments, and aloha is the best kind of good! Thanks so much.
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Gentle hugs, prayers for healing, and to find your funny again.
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Thanks so much, Patti… working on it. 😉
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Sometimes it’s ok not too laugh.
Hope this round of WTF pases soon.
A WASP (White Anglo Saxon Protestant) walks into a bar.
And says Ouch.
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Bahahaha! Thanks Guapo. I’m just starting to catch up on blog posts I’ve missed… I haven’t been up for much more than lying around, whining. 😉 thanks for the kind support. xo
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oh Dawn, i hope everything becomes better soon! you’re a strong woman and i admire you for that. will include you in my prayers 🙂
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Thanks KZ. Not feeling so strong right now… but it’ll come back. 😉 I appreciate all the kind wishes.
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I can relate to your humor mindset. I have often used humor to diffuse situations or to ingratiate myself to others. Then there are the times when funny just doesn’t cut it, like when someone you care about gets hurt. My tears of empathy may well up, but there are no suitable punch lines, especially when it hurts you to laugh. Even if I could think of a good punch line right now, the effect would seem sadistic. So let me just say that my heart aches for you and the pain you have had to endure. And to the extent the ‘God thing’ works for you, I pray for your comfort and well-being.
Thank goodness you still feel like writing – your greatest gift to so many who care about you. Long distance virtual hugs to you for your strong heart and your capacity to deal with adversity. xx … These kisses are the ones that brush past one cheek at a time, my favorite custom from abroad. (No pun intended… well, maybe) 🙂 – Mike
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Thanks so much, Mike. You never cease to comfort me, and make me smile. What a kind friend I’ve found through writing! Air ((hugs))… not nearly as wonderful as those air kisses, but much less painful than the bear hugs I generally like!
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Holy shit Batman! I haven’t been blogging or reading blogs for a little while, as life got a tad crazy, and I came back to find out that you’re all busted up and burned, to boot. I will definitely take some time tonight and send you some Reiki. I hope that you are able to take the time to rest, recuperate, and heal. Here’s your joke (sorry, it’s lame): What did the guy say when he walked into the bar? Ouch.
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Bahahah! Thanks Susan; I didn’t get many jokes! I appreciate the Reiki too. I’m glad you took an opportunity to catch your breath. I appreciate you taking the time to stop by again, and I’m glad you’re feeling better! I’m working on catching up too… I’ve missed a lot of blogging and reading, as I heal. Great to hear from you.
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Holy sh*t, Dawn. I had seen when you posted about the hatch accident on Facebook, but I had no idea just how bad things have really been. I’m so sorry to year it. After my mom had a horrible accident two years ago, I know someone who is on a long road to recovery can feel overwhelmed by trying to put on a good face for everyone. My mom admitted to me that sometimes she just needed people to let her grieve what had happen to her. Please know I am thinking of you and sending prayers and good wishes your way.
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Thanks Kelly… THAT is it, exactly. Still, each day it runs through my head, and I have anxiety when walking on sidewalks, with man holes, or uneven walkways. If I’m going down stairs and I’m not careful, I get disoriented/off balance. Yes, it’s necessary to grieve the event, and then move on. When you’re trying to convince everyone that you’re still funny, that you’re ok… that you won’t ruin their vacation… SO hard. I’m sure my accident was nowhere as serious as your mom’s, I’ll be fun in another few weeks, but it has been heavy for me. Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by, and for getting it. xo
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A person can only take so much while grinning and bearing it. Here’s to hoping you have more to grin about sooner than later.
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Thanks Kelly… things are on the upswing. Knock wood… and again. 😉
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Oh Dawn, as we say here in the South, “Bless your heart.” What a horrible experience. So sorry that you’re going through this – it truly sucks. Sending you soothing, healing thoughts and very gentle hugs. All the best, Terri
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Thanks so much, Terri. Things have improved a lot in the past few weeks. The burns have healed really well, and while the ribs are still painful, they are much better. Thanks so much for your thoughtful words.
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