Finding Humor In Life
Many people have told me how blessed I am. I think they are trying to remind me in this time of frustration that although it’s been an uphill battle, it’s a battle I’m still here to fight. At times I wonder when the blessing will end.
My ankle is not healing. In fact, it’s much worse. It has gotten bad enough that since the weekend I cannot put much (if any) weight on it, even using crutches, without severe pain. Anyone who’s experienced pain knows how hard it is to count your blessings when you are hobbling around. Add a 15 pound bag with a tube constantly sucking your ankle, and you may reconsider what you define as a blessing.
To keep my sanity I have to make fun of people. Sometimes I find myself easily amused. Over the past few days I’ve endured some strange looks and a few odd comments. I think it’s the long tube coming from my waist that is attached to the my new best friend (the black pump purse).
So far this is what I’ve heard:
“Are you going to make it?”
[This was in a very serious tone from someone I didn’t know! Can you imagine their response if I’d broke down crying and said no? They might rethink their approach.]
“So, did they remove your colon?”
[No, it’s in the black bag.]
“I had a black fanny pack once that looked very similar to that style.”
[What? I’m fairly certain the lady who made this statement did not even realize it was a piece of medical equipment, not a fashion statement.]
Emily, I know this may sound redundant, but I’m so sorry you are having so much trouble healing. I’m continuing to pray and just for good measure, I’ll find someone to make fun of.
To keep my sanity I have to make fun of people.
Best thing I’ve read all day!
Dude, please let me knit you a bag cozy.
Oy, I’m sorry your ankle is getting worse not better.
Thinking of you!
(PS I whacked off all my hair today… and I’m getting MY computer back from the doc tomorrow so I should be able to post my pics!)
i am sorry too, sister. i am sorry you are having to go through this right now.
I just have to say that flutter rocks. ‘Can I knit you a bag cozy?’!! Classic!
I am sorry that you are still not healing, I can’t imagine how much this sucks for you.
hey, at least it’s not summertime yet. Hey, and go ahead and make a little fun…
Sometimes all you can do is laugh…I am rooting for you to, um, er, make it.
How frustrating… hope you heal quickly!
Another lousy thing to deal with. Really shows how strong you are to still find humor in what you can:)
Oh how lousy! Flutter’s comment had me rolling as I can picture what you are carrying around. I am the one who usually gets it started and has to change the packing every three days. VAC’s suck (no pun intended). I make fun of people a second to second basis. I have had to learn how to filter my thoughts at work…
tell people it’s prada.
[i thought you got that thing removed–did i miss something?]
sending you vibes to heal the ankle. and quick!
Oy the things people say. I think when someone is having a bad time of it, people who care about them are worried they will fall down the dark hole forever or something, and when they say count your blessings, they are really asking you to reassure them through their worries, “yes, I’ll be okay.”
I found it helped if I said, “I’ll be okay, but later. Today sucks rocks and I just need to be able to vent about it and have a shoulder, okay?”
Enough assvice.
Sorry it sucks rocks, babe.
I’d go for the knitted thing from Flutter. Make her include a poem on the inside, though. Bad luck to give purses empty.
I hope that Flutter does make you a bag cozy and that you take pictures of it, as I think that has to be the most generous offer I have ever read on the internet…
I think people are clueless as to what surgery can do to you. Any time you have surgery your system goes into shock and needs time, time, to recover. Your energy level is low and your esteem is down to the ground waiting to be stepped on or kicked because thats just how you feel.
Make fun of whatever you have to get though this. I was down so low yesterday, as I began pulling out clumps of hair from the chemo…there was no valley or pit deep enough. So wallow, you deserve it because all things to do not end well, and you sound like you still have a steep journey. My prayers and thoughts as you endure, as you have before.
hugs, Dorothy from grammology
remember to call gram
Emily,
You are very much loved here that is very evident. Anyone who has experienced chronic pain can definitely sympathize, but I am not sure; unless we have been through exactly what you have we can empathize. I wish you didn’t have to go through this, but at least you have some humor to look forward to when posting. The ladies (and gents if there are any) here are great and offer you much praise for trying as hard as you are.
I sincerely hope you do ‘make it’ purely for selfish reasons though. Man do people say some stupid things!
You guys crack me up over this bag cozy that Flutter offered to make me! (Thank you Flutter, you are too sweet.) But they did end up taking the wound vac off this week. It only cost me $150 to purchase this glorified ice pack and cooler!!!! Totally worth it though
Thanks for all the kind words & encouragement. It’s getting better (my ankle that is).