Several months ago, my dear friend and coworker (aka: work wife), Crystal, and I often lamented the lengthy lists of weird supplements some of our patients were taking.
On one occasion, after inputting a particularly extensive list of bizarre items, we joked that the only thing we had not seen yet was Hair of a Troll’s A$$. We immediately cracked up and the joke was born. Whenever one of us would give a heavy sigh as we typed in the various supplements, the other would ask, “Is it a HOTA list?” The worst lists were “D-HOTA” (Desiccated Hair of a Troll’s A$$).
Fast forward to July, when I was spending time with my mom caregiving before we got her settled into the memory care center. On this day, after a long night of her being ill with a bowel blockage and too weak to get up and walk, I had her sit on her walker while I tried to roll her to the bathroom. Unfortunately, the old and narrow doorways of her house made maneuvering through them with any sort of mobility device a Herculean feat. There I was, trying to get mom to pull her arms in so I could slide her through the doorway on the walker without cracking her elbows open. But she was in no mood to cooperate that day (I cannot blame her too much, she felt crappy) and no matter what I did, she would just stick her elbows back out and glare at me defiantly, like an angry toddler. I was nearing my wits’ end and glaring back at her when I remembered to pray. I looked straight up and said aloud, “Look, Jesus… this is not working. HELP!” My mom’s face was priceless – she had gone from angry toddler to confused but still surly teenager, looking at me like I had grown another head.
Suddenly out of nowhere, “HOTA” pops into my head for no reason whatsoever and I burst out laughing. A true and legitimate LOL. And as soon as I started laughing, Mom broke out into a huge smile and started laughing with me.
And brought her elbows in so we could get through the door.
Later that day, Mom was coloring and turned to me and said, "I don't know if my... Parents... Are ok... With the... Blaster. Tomorrow?"
I replied, “We can definitely ask them about it later.” She nodded and went back to coloring.
Honestly, I just had to laugh. God has been faithful in giving us light moments to break up the insanity. Thank God. Literally.
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“Always be full of joy in the LORD, I say it again: Rejoice! Let everyone see your gentleness. Remember the LORD is coming soon.” Philippians 4:4-6
“He will once again fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.” Job 8:21
“We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy.” Psalm 126:2
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