In case you haven’t noticed before, I have a sense of humor. It is corny, witty, and a bit sarcastic. Half the time in person it just pops out, I don’t necessarily see it coming any more than the next person. My writing might come across as deeper thinking, and so perhaps the humor just doesn’t come out so much with it, but I assure you in real life, I tell too many jokes.
Recently I was in a terrible wreck. I ended up with a double compound fracture and experienced the worst pain I have ever felt. The entire situation was traumatic and I truly and literally was verbally crying out to God. I think it is one of those things that if you’ve been there, you understand. And if you only have heard about it, you can only imagine. And I promise I get that! There’s nothing like real life experience, though if you can get yours another way, I don’t recommend getting yours like I got mine.
Anyway, here is an effort for a light-hearted take on what I’ve been walking through (or perhaps we should say hopping through) recently. And also, it’s a glimpse of my crazy sense of humor.
I’m Usually Not This Forward
Prior to the wreck, I had been struggling with a muscle spasm and my sciatica had been incredibly painful. At one point, I couldn’t sit, stand, or lay without terrible pain. I used to think that I had a high pain tolerance, but lately I’m thinking that’s not the case. Either I’m worn out on all the pain or I’m just not as tolerant as I thought.
This wreck put that pain in perspective – breaking my leg was far worse. But this isn’t a story about that, but rather the sense of humor that I can’t seem to help. EMS came and put me in the ambulance and we were on our way to the hospital. For some reason, talking helps me relieve stress, so I prayed aloud and talked to the man in the back of the ambulance with me. He was kind and very focused on his job.
Leading up to getting in the ambulance I was very shaken and as folks gathered around, I asked to hold somebody’s hand because it was comforting. Well, fast forward to the ambulance, this poor, defenseless man and I were sitting in the back. He was monitoring things and making adjustments and I was praying and doing my best to deal with the pain. As he seemed to finish what he was doing, I asked if I could hold his hand, because truly, just the contact of another person brought an element of comfort.
He kindly agreed and let me hold his hand. Now under any other circumstances when it comes to men I do my best to be confident and myself, but I also try not to throw myself at them in anyway. Also, keep in mind how rotten I look and feel riding along in the back of the ambulance. So, in my crazy humor after asking to hold his hand, I giggle and tell him I’m usually not this forward. Which technically is the truth, but also it was a joke and I certainly wasn’t trying to throw myself at this guy either especially in the condition I was in.
I’ll have to wait until I’m feeling a bit more attractive to try this one next time. (kidding!)
Marital Status
Next up, the story of the wreck continues but not in an alarming way, rather in an I-can’t-help-my-sense-of-humor-way. Perhaps it is how I deal with pain.
Evidently it is a universally known truth, but it would seem that doctors, nurses, physician assistants, etc do not talk to each other within a hospital / emergency room / operating room setting. It would even seem they don’t talk to each other when in the same room. I was quizzed numerous times about my name, date of birth, what happened, what’s wrong, medical history, allergies, etc. And I get it. I really do. I’d rather repeat it multiple times then have someone not know my allergies or mistake me for another patient.
But about the fiftieth time in, I decided to have a bit of fun with one of the nurses. Things had calmed down a bit and we were just verifying information while waiting on doctors to arrive.
Nurse: “So what is your name?”. I responded.
Nurse: “Date of birth?”. I thoughtfully responded, as sometimes numbers can confuse me.
Nurse: “Single or married?”. Me: “Available!”
We both had a good laugh at that one and she reassured me she’d let all the right doctors know! Talk about a team player!
Walk In Peace
Fast forward to my coming home. I’m on the mend, though barely mobile. My leg is in a cast and the pain is beginning to subside. I’m currently working on the virtue of resting and waiting as I heal. I’m so grateful for God’s protection and for the comfort and immeasurable help from my family.
While talking to a friend, he encouraged me to rest and not worry. He reassured that God has everything in control and will bring things together in His time. “Walk in peace”, he gently encouraged. “Walk in peace.” And he’s so right and I love the reminder.
…but then my sense of humor kicked in and I gently chuckled as I said, “I might have to plan to hop in peace for now since the doctor doesn’t want me on my leg yet.” My friend mercifully got the ridiculous humor of the situation, laughed and agreed that perhaps hopping in peace was the way to go right now.
A Sense of Humor
I share all this not to make light of the situation. I could share so many instances of God’s mercy, love, and protection. Of the pain and trauma of what happened that day, and yet He brought us through so incredibly as only He can. There are stories that I want to share in time, of amazing ways I saw Him at work.
For now, I thought it would be more light-hearted to share the sense of humor He gave me. How even in the most trying of circumstances, He lets a little joke slide into my thoughts and words. He brings a smile to my face and I love that He lets me have a moment of humor in the midst of hard things.
Laughter is like medicine. It truly helps – not just you, but those around you too. Don’t underestimate the comfort and healing power of a good laugh.
Until Next Time!
Hope.