MSA antics

[Guest guest]

Mom doesn't try to escape from home as some of your companions do, but she

keeps us entertained all the same with her dry wit, and dad follows along

with his own antics.

My dad (mom's promary caregiver) uses denial as his primary coping

mechanism. He is always on the lookout for signs of 'improvement' that will

show that God has granted our prayers and gifted mom with a supernatural

healing. So if mom's blood pressure wacks out only three times one day

instead of the five times it did it the day before, or if her speech is more

understandable, or if her hand isn't doing the shimmey at any given time,

" She's getting better! " this is what dad inevitable repeats to any and

every one who calls or visits and inquires about mom's status.

Last week, mom asked dad (again!) " Why do you keep telling people that I'm

getting better? " Dad's answer, " How can you blame me for being excited if I

see some sign of improvement? " Mom's reply, " Well, according to you I have

gotten better every day for the last two years. I must be nearly well now! "

Dad got a real sheepish look on his face, hung his head down, and said,

" Busted " . We all howled with laughter at mom getting the best of him.

Later that day, a friend phoned and asked how mom was doing. Dad replied

loudly enough for everyone in the house to hear, " Bettye is not doing for

CRAP! " and we all fell over laughing again--except for the little old lady

on the other end of the phone line. Now whenever we go into the house as

ask, " How's it going? " Dad jumps in fast with his kidding, " Lousy! She's

doing terrible! Just awful! " and then laughs his head off. Mom is the

'straight man' to his show and just rolls her eyes and shakes her head.

PW