Vapors

For most of us our lives are so full of activity and we have massive amounts of input on a daily basis. I think we forget to relax and enjoy simple gifts we are given, often dissipating our talents and discounting the effects we can have on those around us. Not really acknowleding our time here is fleeting. One of my patients had a very interesting way to deal with his own mortality. We were addressing his transfer skills, starting with the act of moving from a sit-stand position. He is a very stately gentlemen, stands around 6'2 and commands attention when he speaks. However, now he needs the assistance from another person just to maintain his balance. This activity tires him quickly and we practice a few times. He states" I'm tired of sitting and I'm tired of standing" so I ask "What exactly would you like to do" of course I'm thinking he will say lie down. He is silent for a second and looks at me and says very matter of factly "I guess I should just vaporize".

Funny Things They Say

Sometimes the clients we serve come up with the funniest and often insightful things to say. Of course, they also come up with things that aren't exactly poingnant but they are definitely entertaining. Let me share just a few.

-After receiveing a month of SLP treatments a patient said "I don't know if you've noticed, but I've increased the volume of my voice."

-Upon greeting a patient one morning the reply was "I have sausages in my mouth."

-After a therapist placed a gait belt around a lady's waist she stated "You are pulling my boobs off by the root!"

-While waiting to get to the beauty shop a patient asked-"Is this the Carter Fold, I've been waiting in line for over an hour?"

- While assisting a patient in the bathroom she said "I want to bite you just to see you jump."

-Upon entering the therapy room- "Is this where the looney bin people meet?"

-While treating a patient I gave her a compliment on her perfume- "You smell like vanilla" and she stated "I had a high ball this morning."

-After assisting a patient with showering she chuckled and said- "I've turned into a man, feel the hairs on my chin."

-When one of the therapists was attempting to help a patient donn her back brace she excitedly said-" Honey, don't come near me with that thing, I'll die the death of a June Bug!"

Humor can be such a timely blessing. I hope as you treat your patients you can brighten their day with your wit and compassion because they will surely brighten yours.~Peace