((((((((((( pegs )))))))))))))

What a good question. I certainly can understand some confusion over having humor about death, even if dark and at the same time having respect for the one who has passed and their loved ones.

I have worked in nursing homes and been around death a lot there. I've also lost a lot of loved ones in my life. For myself, I find that after the tears and during the pain, I turn to humor to help me through it. Yes, sometimes the humor is dark, but I don't necessarily relate it to any particular individual, it's more about death in general, if that makes sense.

I do have my own personal beliefs about what does or does not happen after one's body has passed. After my mom passed away from brain cancer, my brother and I and a bunch of friends went out bowling. We had a few drinks, played a few games and had a great time. It was something that I know my mom would have wanted us to do as she loved bowling! It was something that helped me to feel like I was close to her and at the same time I was able to whip that ball down the lane and take my pain and anger out on the pins.

When my dad passed from a heart attack, we all gathered at my bother's house after the funeral for a big picnic and keg! We played horseshoes and talked and drank beer and toasted my dad. I know he was with us that day having a blast partaking in the party. We laughed, we told jokes and there was dark humor as well. It was all good and a wonderful way of working through our grief in a more positive way.

Some folks can't deal with the humor surrounding death. I would never want to insult them with my humor. But I truly see nothing wrong with dealing with death in that humorous way. One who is around it a lot needs to let it out or we would certainly become extremely depressed and burn out of our jobs much more quickly.

Like others have said, everyone needs to deal with things in their own way. Our brains must find a way to function through the pain and the sadness. Maybe, if there are those at work who need to let loose like that have a private place to discuss death and joke if need be away from those who do not find that kind of "dealing" appropriate would be a good work around?

xoxoxo