Laughter Is Joy Released

By Betty King

"I bet you have a brain tumor."

I didn't know the woman from Adam and her words shot through me.

"I knew this lady who knew someone who had a brain tumor and that's what she was experiencing."

"Oh, gee," I thought to myself, "that's just what I need to hear." I tried to smile and thank her for her 'concern.'

That was before my diagnosis and the first of many comments from well meaning sympathizers.

"Betty Ann, you need to leave that eye make-up off, I bet that has something to do with your eye problem."

"Mom, it's not something coming from the outside that is causing my distress, it's something on the inside." There are just some things you know; you don't have to have a Ph.D. in smarts to realize your body is not working properly. Even Mothers don't always know the source or the solutions to our problems. Mom's comments, too, came before my diagnosis.

"Does Bill's wife have a drinking problem?"

Now that comment came after my diagnosis but before it became a well-known fact what had invaded my body. That remark left a gash in my pride. Not to mention the fact that I was less than happy about the symptoms that were rearing their heads.

"Well, ten years ago there were several others besides myself who bet you wouldn't be around today."

Those aren't the most comforting words you want to hear roll off the end of your family doctor's tongue. Nevertheless, he had thrown out the words and there was no reeling them in. That was a few years back and I guess they are still in awe of my continued existence. Some of us just keep on keep'n on.

"My cousin had that and she died a few years back." With a concerned look on a stranger's face who offered that bit of family history.

"Oh, is that right," I say with a smile on my face, thinking I really needed to know that tidbit of information.

"You're really lucky, you know. I know this guy that is paralyzed, can't even feed himself."

"Oh yes, I really feel lucky, too, thanks for filling me in," I think to myself as I sit on my motorized scooter.

"Oh, but you look so good!"

"Oh, yeah, sure," I know what they really mean; you look too fat to be unhealthy!

"What is it you've got?"

"I have Multiple Sclerosis."

"How long have you had it?"

"I've had it for over 36 years."

I have Multiple Sclerosis and I am always happy to inform those who ask and are interested. I'm not proud of it. I don't like it but I am blessed because of it and have learned much through the years. My eyes have been opened to the needs of others that I was never aware of before. This culprit seized the myelin surrounding my nerve fibers and took away some of my abilities. I have been slowed down but am better able to view the important things in my little corner of the world, not to mention the world as a whole. I've learned to look for the goodness that lies in those who cross my path each day. I have found that it's not how much you get done in one day, but how well you do those things you manage to complete. Also, if you don't get it done today there is always tomorrow. I see that time rushes on if you ride on a scooter or are able to walk; what you do with that time is what is important.

I've also seen joy in the little things life presents. I have learned to look for laughter instead of tears. But when the tears come as they surely will, I have let them absorb the pain. For in the pain can come understanding. I have even learned to take in and sort out comments expressed by others. If they are not uplifting or helpful, I can at least brush aside minor infractions and reap a laugh from well-intended remarks.

Problems, troubles and even ill placed remarks can grow into bitterness or provide a laugh; and what is laughter but joy that we choose to release - I choose Joy!