Prior to my departure from New Orleans earlier this week, we were reviewing defense mechanisms in class. I'd provided a worksheet where my students could match the defense mechanism to an example. Humor was one. Yesterday's trip to spend time with Dad in the hospital reminded me of a perfect example of "humor" that I'd forgotten over the last couple of years.
We've all been worried about Dad. After he fell two years ago, my sister and I used to tease about "urinal duty". It had even gotten to the point when we'd take pictures of each other we'd say: "Say, urinal!" It always cracked us up and gave us a silly little lift in the midst of all the change and unknown.
Yesterday, I took it a step further in the humor department. It might be about being more worried at the hopsital. I was back on urinal duty yesterday. Dad is particular and he likes to have two. At one point, I had them both in my hand after cleaning up and I went into over drive...we had a puppet show and talking urinals! Before my brother Jim and I left last night, I made sure that there were two waiting for Dad on the side of the bed. They were actually kind of cute resting on the bed railing. I'm becoming rather fond of them. They have taken on a life of their own and give my siblings and I something to laugh about when we could just as easily be crying.
Dad will be having another procedure today. The urinals will be staying behind in the hospital room, but I'm sure they'll be waiting for us when we return. Thanks to everyone for caring (and maybe even laughing with us). I'll keep you posted.
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