For Well Spouse® Association members and spousal caregivers in general, a good sense of humor is vital. There can be many tense moments in the life of a spousal caregiver, due to sudden emergencies brought on by an unpredictable disease, condition or disability -- the elephant in the room -- moments that can later be lightened by retelling them with a twist.
For instance, Elizabeth Damick, in telling the story Swallowed by a Boa Constrictor compares her caregiving experience to this "...silly song kids might sing at camp, [that] made me laugh and relieved some of the stress I felt much of the time."
To a member of the public, family, workmate, or friend, who might liken spousal caregivers to inhabitants of some faroff, unfamiliar land, know that they are just normal people who find themselves in a difficult situation and are doing their best to cope. Their sense of humor proves the latter.