Okay, I'm breaking out here a bit because what I've found is that the old adage "misery loves company" is true, because anytime I get a chance to gripe about things I get worked up, so....
I want to start this thread looking for the funny stories in the midst of all this stress and chaos. As caretakers when we step out of a situation, can you imagine how sill we look bribing an 80 yr old person with a piece of candy to "come on, I'll take you out" to getting ready for a wrestling match just to bathe? I mean my parents would fight to the death over that right not to shower, and we've all seen that message board.
So let me start with a couple.... my grandfather and grandmother from my mom's side, both had health issues, but grandma had beginning dementia and was seeing imaginary things. One of the funniest stories I remember is that my grandma thought my grandpa was tunneling floosies (these tramps) through a wall in the basement and just having all these sex parties etc.
My mom was frazzled in what to do. She started to tell my grandma that we had friends from the church who were FBI and, "Ma, its okay, we have cameras in the tv to watch what goes on. The FBI are arresting these women as soon as they come through the tunnel." My grandmother being relentless kept saying, "I can't believe your father... WHAT would he want with all those women..." (as a young kid, seeing my mother now.... oh I know what he was thinking.... roll a few fatties, pour a few drinks and unwind under the nose of his favorite control freak and the more the merrier!
Another story...Grandma at one point saw a horse in her house and started yelling for her husband to get it out. My mother was so stressed by this time, and I'm a teenager and I said, "Grandma, I'll take it out for a ride. I love horses, and it probably just came in for some lunch. Do you want me to bring her back for a nap?" She'd say no and I'd take this "horse" outside. My mom thought I was crazy but she was stressed to the hilt. Grandma couldn't help it. She kept screaming what a mess it left in her house and look at the hoof prints in her house. I just told grandma that it was okay, I think its something I can get out. I don't know if she bought that one or not.
Now turning that humor on to my parents.... I'll think of a story soon I'm sure... I just need to distance myself.... and I'm thinking West Coast this time (permanent vacation? :)
Hope to hear your stories!
I got home last night and my mother walked by me twice and I said hello and she ignored me or she just didn't hear me she can't hear unless I say its time to eat. that being said she comes back thru and says now get this
"I think I have the swine flu" I said how did you get it? You haven't been to mexico you never go anywhere and you haven't been in contact with anyone who has it. There are no cases at the hospital so I didn't bring it home, I don't have it hubby doesn't have it, my dogs get a little dirty out in the yard digging but they aren't pigs, are you dating a Mexican pig farmer and having him in here when I'm at work? she didn't hear me she is so into herself it is so pathetic she only wants to tell you whats wrong with her and not listen to a thing you have to say she does the same with her doc which she will see monday. You can't get it transmitted thru the tv can you? So before I went to bed I opened her door to see how she was and asked her if she wanted to go to the hospital oh no thats the hospital that killed your father LOL he had a bleeding stroke, no one can fix that But I did think my reply was funny and I hope you all do to.
Neon, see I knew they had a lot in common. Vacation sounds real good about now, I'm getting desperate. LOL
The wicked side of me would say to her "I'm sure you are fine OR we can rush to the hospital. Which would YOU prefer?"
Then I would bring a book to read at the hospital (or whatever gets her goat).
Sorry its my evil twin speaking.
(I think my evil twin needs to leave on vacation again)
Neon, you are a wonderful person too. I love your sense of humor! I think it is therapeutic to all here. If not they also have the choice to respond or not. Keep the humor coming girlfriends! LOL
Love and Hugs to you all! God bless you!
Hey, what happened to the laughter??? If I wasn't so tired right now, I'd try and think up something funny. OK Heard this one today at an Dementia support group:
The man asked his wife to bring him some ice cream
The man asked his wife to bring him some ice cream. She said, "I can do that." He said, "...with chocolate on top." "OK." "Put some nuts on top." "OK" So she goes into the kitchen. She comes back with a plate of bacon and eggs. He said, "I thought I asked for toast with that!" Ha Ha, hope you all have a wonderful evening! Don't forget to take your laughter medicine.
Violets are blue
I'm schizophrentic
and so am I