Chapter 15: Bizarre Experience

I mentioned earlier that since the stroke, I get overwhelmed easily.  Sensory overload. But, I also continue to try to not give up on things I enjoy.  Keep on trying, right?               

This lead to an experience I won’t try again for a while.

Larry and Devin got tickets to go to see Brian Regan’s comedy concert.  Devin invited his girlfriend, Lisa, and Larry wanted me to go.  I really wanted to go, too.  I enjoy Brian Regan, who doesn’t?  He’s hilarious and no potty mouth.  And I wanted to spend time with my family.

I decided that I wanted to give it a try.  It wasn’t music.  It wasn’t spiritual.  It wasn’t going to be deeply touching.  I kept telling myself that humor would be different.

Right off, it was overwhelming…big concert hall, lots of people.  But, I had considered this.  I waited in the hallway, away from the crowds, until the performance began.  When the lights dimmed and the warm-up act was introduced, I slipped in.

The opening comedian was good and I chuckled and smiled.  I started to relax.  Then Brian came on.  He was hysterical!  Everyone laughed and laughed, including me.

But here is where the bizarre came in…I was laughing and sobbing AT THE SAME TIME!  Who knew you could do that? The more I laughed, the harder I bawled.  I soon was very grateful that everyone was laughing so much, so they couldn’t hear me.

There was one girl sitting on the other side of Larry who noticed what was happening.  I think she watched me almost as much as she watched Brian.  Two entertainers at one time!

I didn’t leave.  I didn’t want the family to not enjoy their experience.  And finally I got to the point that I was so exhausted, that my body just shut down.  I felt a little catatonic.  It was time for my body to sleep and re-boot.

So, now I know, loud laughter is not my friend. Humor and strokes make for an odd mix.