LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE

By John Yurgens

Many of you may know my story if you have read my bio in Blue Water Healthy Living (BWHL).

There is nothing funny about having a stroke, let alone surviving one. There are humorous situations that arise, and we must be able to laugh at them and ourselves.

Advertisements

Your browser does not support the video tag.

I utilize the Blue Water Area Transit (BWAT). It provides me with my independence and freedom. I, as a result of my stroke, am legally blind; I lost my left peripheral vision. Many of the drivers are aware that I had a stroke, and they look out for me.

One afternoon I was at the north transfer point (Home Depot in Fort Gratiot, MI) and I stepped off the bus and started walking toward my next bus. I heard a voice off to my left, “Hey John, how you are doin’ today?” I recognized the voice but couldn’t recall the name of the person yelling. Another deficit, my memory is bad. The person got right in my face and asked, “Can you see me now?” We both laughed, I said, “At least I can laugh about it. Either I laugh about it, or if I didn’t laugh, I would cry. I could cry from sunup to sundown and it wouldn’t change a thing. Besides laughing is much more fun.”

I occupy my time writing and volunteering three days a week at Lake Huron Medical Center, (formerly Mercy Hospital). I work primarily with stroke survivors and I try to offer support, encouragement, and hope.
Of course, being a smart aleck, if I can get someone to laugh while laying in a hospital, it’s a good day.

One day a nurse mentioned there was a young patient (she was in her early 30’s; okay young to me) who was recovering from a craniectomy (brain surgery). I warned her that I was a smart aleck.

We talked awhile when she noticed my Central Michigan University (CMU) Shirt I was wearing and she asked if I had gone to Central. I said, “Yes and we won’t discuss how long ago it was that I was there before you started there.”

We both laughed. We discussed my craniectomy. She said, “You had brain surgery? So did I, see.” She parted her hair to show her scar. I said, “What, if I show you mine, you show me yours?” Again, loud boisterous laughter rang out from her room.

Soon it was lunch time and I told her I had to go — I couldn’t interfere with her lunch. As I turned to leave, she said, “Wait, before you go, I need to tell you something. Just meeting and talking with you, I feel so much better.”
I fought off the tears while walking away, and I thought, “Who is providing the encouragement?” I don’t look for feedback like this. I won’t turn it down as rare as comments like these are, but it humbles me when they do come along.

I volunteer for the tranquility and peace of mind I get from helping another human being.

###

John has a unique, and interesting story that cannot be condensed into such a small space. To read his full biography article about his family, his unfortunate stroke and how he found comfort and therapy in writing… click here.

If you enjoy our feature articles, don’t forget to “like” us on Facebook!

Disclaimer: Blue Water Healthy Living is an online magazine located in Port Huron, Michigan. Our purpose is to promote healthy living by showcasing the Blue Water Area, its people, issues and surroundings. This online magazine is devoted to providing healthy living related stories, local happenings, and commentary. Often inspiring and uplifting, our stories come from our heart and soul to promote the enjoyment of a more fulfilling Blue Water Area lifestyle. The material on this web site is provided for informational and amusement purposes only and is not to be confused with any medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions and values of Blue Water Healthy Living.

Our Sponsors

Voices Wanted!

Write for Blue Water Healthy Living
For more information on writing for BWHL….. Click Here!

Be a Part of GBS Media or BWHL

GBS Media

Our Mission

Blue Water Healthy Living is an online magazine located in Port Huron, Michigan. Our purpose is to promote healthy living by promoting the values of Family, Faith, and Freedom as well as showcasing the Blue Water Area, its people, issues and surroundings. This online magazine is devoted to providing healthy living related stories, local happenings, and commentary. Often inspiring and uplifting, our stories come from our heart and soul to promote the enjoyment of a more fulfilling Blue Water Area lifestyle. The material on this web site is provided for informational and amusement purposes only and is not to be confused with any medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Blue Water Healthy Living appreciates the passionate content provided to us by our volunteer writers and reporters. Interested volunteer writers and reporters should contact our administrators at Admin@GBSMediaPro.com

The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions and values of Blue Water Healthy Living. We reserve the right to deny posting of any article solely at our discretion.

Like Us on Facebook!

Sign up to receive the BWHL Newsletter!

First Name

Last Name

Email address:

Leave this field empty if you're human:

BWHL is a Division of GBS Media

Blue Water Healthy Living is a division of GBS Media. Follow the link below to see how GBS Media can help you with all your media needs.

If you would like to contact us or if you are interested in writing for us you can email us at Admin@GBSMediaPro.com