Dr. Laura:

My family has always used humor when facing a challenge, and it turns out we've surrounded ourselves with others who do the same.  My mother had a single mastectomy when she was diagnosed with breast cancer 20 years ago.  She decided not to have reconstructive surgery and went on to enjoy her life.

Several years ago, she and my father were boating on a local lake with some friends.  It was during Spring Break, and they were astonished by the outrageous behavior of some of the young women on nearby boats - specifically that they were lifting their shirts to "flash" passing boats.  They all had a good laugh when one of my parents' friends commented that those young people would get quite a shock if the over 60-year-old women on their boat flashed them, giving them a dose of reality as to what their futures might look like!  Then the friend added that they'd have to drive by twice so my mother could enjoy full participation in the joke.  There were some puzzled looks until it sunk in, and my Mom said she laughed so hard she couldn't catch her breath.  Humor really is good medicine and makes life so much more bearable!

Carly