Anthony has always been really good at encapsulating what would take me paragraphs to describe. And, in between the worsening mumblingishness of his speech, he comes out with extraordinary witticisms.
This afternoon, for instance, we were drinking red wine and watching an appallingly good soap opera on TV when the guy in the next room (I’ll call him John for anonymity) accidentally walked in.
I see Anthony’s eyes, usually expressionless, harden. So I get up and gently steer John back into the hallway where a nurse takes his arm and tells him she has made a cup of tea. He looks back at me and says, Tomorrow we gistust this potatoes worry, okay?
Leaping back into Anthony’s room (before he drinks my wine!) I ask him about John.
What do you do when he comes into your room and disturbs you? I ask.
He looks at me really seriously and quietly says, PANIC!
I laugh so loud that a nurse comes in, worried that I am upset about the John incident. I tell her what Ants said and she guffaws too.
As I am leaving, I hug my husband and he whispers in my ear, I am making people laugh again, Jules!
So you’ve stopped the grumpy thing? I ask, hopefully (knowing that my gentle man has become uncharacteristically cantankerous lately).
But in just these few minutes of saying goodbye, he has gone somewhere and there is no point trying to follow him.
So I go to where my sobs won’t be heard – the disabled toilet near the exit from the nursing lodge – then I wash my face, put my lipstick back on, and go back to say seeya to Ants.
Panic.
jmgoyder 
Cherish those moments 😉
Ok!
I do like his sense of humour…
I’m so glad it’s back!
Little steps still get you and he back in sync. You are amazing. 🙂
Everything seems to have suddenly lightened up and I don’t quite know why!
🙂
we all deal with panic in some form or other — I myself would prefer to laugh at it
You are wise!
Smiles and tears, Julie. Hugs to you.
And to you!
I love Anthony’s sense of humour. Nice to hear he still comes out with those witty comments and better still, nice that you’re together to enjoy hearing them.
He has this brilliant turn of phrase sometimes – it cracks me up!
Focus on those good moments, Julie. Thanks for sharing them.
I’m getting so much more positive!
You have managed to capture bitter sweet, heart warming and breaking journey of your day in one small blog. Isn’t that the purpose of a ‘one liner?’ I’m sure Anthony would agree.
Stay well Julie and keep putting your lippy back on 💙
Love this – thanks Bec!
YOu inspire me with your courage, strength and love. Thank you.
Thank YOU!
what is it about John he doesn’t like?
He wanders into Anthony’s room constantly and Ants is getting sick of it.
Oh my – that is so funny Julie!
I thought so too!
oh julie i am so sad and happy at the same time. what a gift that you can find laughter, he is indeed able to make people laugh again, in this moment. i won’t say i know what you are going through, just know that i send my love and big warm hugs.
I feel so lucky – we have had more laughs this weeek than we’ve had in months!
Today I was inspired by a wonderful blog to come up with an award….Someone has to create these awards…. and I created the Rose of Kindness Award. I used a photo of Vic and my favorite rose as the award picture. I have nominated you for this award. I know awards get out of hand, but this one is special to me. I hope you accept. Lots of love and gratitude for the kindness you have shown me http://tersiaburger.com/2013/06/13/rose-of-kindness-award/
Oh Tersia what a beautiful award and gesture. Thank you from my heart. Jx
Wow. You really know how to send these moments with Ants right to our hearts. I feel like I am getting to know him.
And I am getting to re-know him.
Julie, There moments of 1000 pct clarity in what Ants says. I know it finds you, and sometimes surprises you, but I appreciate you sharing these moments. Please take care, Bill
Thanks Bill!
Sigh…you are doing well!
Better now.
Proof that a piece of him is still in there allowing him to express himself. It’s hopeful.
Very hopeful – thank you.
Sometimes my heart breaks, and yet, you seem to soldier on. I love that he could make you all laugh, and I am certain that he was too. 😉
xo
It’s wonderful!
He has a wonderful sense of humor.
It was gone for awhile but now it’s back!
Your posts are so poignant. Poor “John.” Hope he gets his potatoes sorted out.
He is so lost and wanders around all day – so sad.
I am a bit disturbed with something you mentioned about – the bit about the ‘appallingly good soap opera on TV’. What!!
Perhaps Australian TV is better than British TV, but when has there been a decent soap on TV? I have to confess we have not have a TV in our house since 1999, but I can still remember some of the drivel which was on then. The BBC and ITV had some good drama programmes, but their soaps were a bit depressing.
I did like Prisoner from Cell Block A and enjoyed it even if it was also very depressing (that prison officer Vera was a nasty piece of work) but most of the other programmes were drivel and not worth the TV licence money.
Stick to radio – the programmes are much better!
Haha – it’s called Winners and Losers!
Had a look at the website. It’s not shown on British TV. Home and Away seems popular not that we have a TV to watch it.
Sorry, on the previous post it should have been Cell Block H.
See. He doesn’t like Johns with an “h” either.
I only get this because I read your hilarious post!
It is those great onliners that will give you a high……………….
Definitely!
Sounds like a GOOD day! 🙂
Julie – his one-liners are perfect but your descriptive paragraphs are so graceful… 🙂
“Panic!” A little gift from heaven. Loved it. 🙂
What precious moments to see that sense of humor.
Sending hugs to you.