Reid uses humor . . . .

My son uses humor, mostly to get out of trouble at home and school. At times I find myself saying, "Enough, already!" But it was this same humor that allowed me to release anxiety along my journey.



Reid is 16 and is into music and his guitar. He practices his instrument as often as possible, so all of us at home have learned to block out the noise so we can pursue whatever it is we wish to do. This can be hard at times since Reid is into grunge. Danny and I wish that he would find more precedence in his education, but on the whole, he is a good guy with dreams of being a successful rock musician.


The day after I was diagnosed with cancer and awaiting to hear more on the plan of action, Reid left to spend the weekend with a friend. At this point in time I was dealing with the unknown, feeling lost and scared. . . . and he just left to have a fun filled weekend. Honestly, I don't know what I was expecting from him at this point in the game, yet it still bugged me he left for several days. Didn’t he care?

So this leads me to: How often do we think one thing. . . . worry about it, sometimes even obsess over it and the thought never reaches maturity as we feared. A wasted amount of time and energy spent on something that only puts undue stress on our well-being. Men are better about not going "there" - women seem to visit this locale often.

When Reid got into the car on Sunday, there was small talk followed by silence. Finally he looked over at me and asked how the breast was doing. At first I was surprised by his directness and I thought for a minute before responding. I could discuss the details or I could make light of the subject for the time being - so much was still up in the air.

So, I answered in a manner that he could relate - with humor - how was the breast doing??? "Still hanging," I replied.


I lost it. . . . . . I couldn't stop laughing. Reid sheepishly grinned and rocked back and forth (a sign that something is pretty funny). After surgery, Reid nicknamed me "uni-booby", which triggered more laughter at the times we needed it most. I honestly believe humor is as important to one's well-being as exercise and an apple a day.

Don't take any of our warped humor the wrong way - we could be depressed and sullen; however, we chose amusement to get us through the unknown. I wonder if Swiss Family Robinson, Tarzan, or Robinson Crusoe used humor in their unknown journey? I know those on Gilligan's Island did.


Reid reacted much differently than Jill. He asked questions, went to school and researched health textbooks about breast cancer. He would share with me what he discovered and offered suggestions. When I eat too much sugar he will remind me it's not healthy (cancer thrives on sugar). You know the medical industry keeps trying to cram down our throats the need for exercise and a healthy diet. Well, you know, they're right. And, I just heard on The Today Show that an apple a day is a deterrent for cancer (the peel is a must).

My son sat next to me during my chemo drip and witnessed the alliance among all patients. It was hard for him to sit still the entire time, but having him with me made me feel loved. We kidded around, even down to his discovery that one of the patients looked like Hitler, which led us to discussions on the dramedy, "Inglorious Bastards" with Brad Pitt. I didn't care for it, Danny and Reid enjoyed the gore. Again, men and women look at life so differently.

Although Reid is a comedian, he hides behind his humor. He is much like his dad and keeps his true feelings deep within. Occasionally I can get him to open up and when he does I make sure I listen.


Parenting is the hardest thing I've ever done and yet, my children are my biggest reward in life. It's not fair that they were dealt mom’s cancer card, too; however, my faith reminds me we won't be given more than we can handle. In as much as I HATE that Jill and Reid had to deal with my illness at such an early age, I pray they take with them that love and compassion for your fellow man is one of the most important character traits anyone can possess.


Sometimes I want to say to God, "Enough, already!", but I know in time he will let me know why, he will let us all know. All we have to do now is listen.


Next: The voice on the phone said Jill was being careflighted into Tyler.