Laughter and Resilience Part 2b

When we can't laugh

There are times when we can’t laugh.

When there have been urgent, critical health situations with those closest to me, I tend to get frozen for a few days.

I’ve been frozen with worry about one of my cats for about four days.

It’s been horrible for both of us.

My cat has a tube up his penis = super uncomfortable.

I’m worried about him = super uncomfortable.

Yesterday, the fear broke and I found some pleasure in joking about it.

Though still afraid, I’m feeling lighter.

I love my cat.

And now I can joke about it.

too soon?

My wife was home with the cat. She had more time to process. She attempted to joke with me about his situation. I wasn’t ready yet.

That’s the thing about comedy. It’s relational and is dependent on the other person you’re with.

It takes a special kind of sensitivity to make heavy, dark jokes.

And?

It also takes a willingness to be wrong, cross relational boundaries, potentially hurt people and apologize.

That’s right.

If you’re attempting to make jokes you risk hurting people. Thi…