If you think Papa may again be lost in the past with a 1950’s movie, this post is not about the ultra cynical press of today. Just as in the film there is for sure a fast buck to be made with today’s shameless news media. However, today I wish to address another humorous aspect of death.
For years when friends and family discussed someone who recently passed I’d say we are all one serious diagnosis away fom the end. After nods all around, the discussion would turn to hoping one dies while asleep. No one wants the long, painful death. That is when I’d pipe in and claim my early onset heart disease was my “ace in the hole.” No lingering death for me. Over and out. I take strange comfort from my four1988 CABGs.
My April 7th post was about humor in the face of the final curtain. In some respects humor faded for Papa when he migrated west. I suspect this is one of the first places humor went to die. However, today I’m talking about actual death. Who better to discus the subject with than my brother again. He has his own medical issues but he is solid with the family’s genetic heart condition. Heart by-pass, valves, re-dos, and congestive heart failure. It’s an imprssive check list. So, during a recent telephone conversation he told about slowing down. Not feeling peppy. Lousy at some times.
Then he said it. “When is that old ace in the hole going to kick in?” Humor is still alive. We laughed of course. So much of our life together has revolved around jokes and snappy come backs. Banter is good for the soul. I know that the times and culture has changed but it gives me great joy when I hear one of you with a good zinger. It proves your minds are working. Gives hope. It’s hard to bury a good sense of humor.