Funny Stories
One of the best things about working with so many different people is that you occasionally hear some good stories. Working with the senior population you may hear stories about the Great Depression, WWII, the first telephones, and more. Of course there are the personal stories too, but my ear is always open for a funny joke or saying. Sometimes it's not just a straight joke either; things done or said in the proper context can be just as funny.
Over the years I've heard almost all of the stories, from the war stories to the personal tragedies to the family histories. All the stories are interesting, but I still like a good laugh best. I've had quite a few jokesters through the years, but here are a few memorable ones.
Just recently there was a gentleman who came through our department. He loved to tell jokes, or should I say joke. He could really deliver a punch line but the only problem is he told the same joke every time. Some days it was 5-10 times during the session, repeating the same joke over and over like he's never told it to me before. One day I told him one of my corny jokes, and that became his joke for the next few days. He told it over and over to whoever would listen. Sorry to all my co-workers for that, but at least it was a new joke!
One of the best was the 101 year old female who played possum on me one day. I had just passed her room and glanced in to see her sitting up in her favorite chair reading the morning paper, as usual. She must have noticed me too, because it was her scheduled time for therapy. Returning to her room just a minute or so later I entered to see her slumped over in her chair, the newspaper falling off her lap to the floor. After my initial shock I spun around to go for help and heard a snicker. Turning back around there she was sitting up with the biggest grin on her face. When she was sure I had seen her she busted out into a good laugh, saying "I got you, I got you!!"
Then there was the 94 year old female that arrived in the department for her first Physical Therapy session. She walked in slowly pushing her walker, and was asked to have a seat on the chair next to the bed. She stopped and glanced back and forth at both the bed and the chair several times then stated "Oh, I thought I'd get laid for this." No one in the room could stop from snickering, including a few of the patients.
Until next time, hope all your "Thoughts" are Good-
Tim