A Reminder That Laughter is the Best Medicine
Watch as this very funny lady reminds us that laughter is the best medicine.
A friend of the couple who founded Home Instead Senior Care, Mary Maxwell was asked to give the invocation at the company's 2009 Convention. Initially it seemed like a normal prayer, but it soon took a very funny turn. Her deadpan delivery and lines like ...This is the first time I've ever been old... and it just sort of crept up on me ... soon had the franchise owners rolling in the aisles. With the timing of a professional comedian, Mary shines a very funny light on the foibles of aging, to the delight of this audience of senior-care experts.
Download a copy of the poem, Blessed In Aging (PDF 275KB), which Mary reads at the end of her prayer.
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Want to get Mary's perspective on a topic?
Send your questions and suggestions to mary.maxwell@homeinsteadinc.com.
May 15, 2012 at 12:50 pm | Posted by sandra melton
I to am a senior,we ,my husband and I have been care givers for the last 15 yrs. for my aunt and uncle who have both passed. and parents. my aunt and father had alzhiemer"s my mother dementia and uncle cancer.we loved them dearly and had many laughs with them.we look at it as a blessing to be able to take care of those who have taken care of us and repay with respect, patients and love. My parents who are still with us are 94 and 98.We have a lot of fun many smiles and lots of laughter with them mixed with sadness.It is a lot of work but worth it. God has blessed us all !!!
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May 10, 2012 at 1:45 pm | Posted by cindy vann
Dear Ms. Maxwell, I work for Meals On Wheels of Tampa with the development effort of our mission. Our executive director heard you speak at a conference in Clearwater, Florida last summer, and thought you were wonderful! He has shared with us your name, and I wondered if you would consider another trip to the Tampa area to speak at a fundraising luncheon we are planning on November 8, 2012. We would so enjoy the opportunity to explore this possibility with you, if you are available and interested. Thank you, Cindy Vann Director of Donor Relations Meals On Wheels of Tampa 813.238.8410 mowtampa.org
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May 7, 2012 at 12:38 pm | Posted by HELEN MCDONALD
I LOVE WRITING LETTERS TO FRIENDS WHO USED TO LIVE HERE IN OUR PARK, AND LOVE TO RECEIVE LETTERS TELLING ME WHAT'S HAPPENING UP NORTH TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS. KEEPING IN TOUCH MAKES LIFE INTERESTING, THAT'S FOR SURE.
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May 5, 2012 at 8:51 am | Posted by Vicky Jackson
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May 4, 2012 at 5:34 pm | Posted by Stephanie
God Bless Mary Maxwell. I'm an RPN in Toronto Canada and have spent 35 years caring for our seniors. I too said the same thing, "Laughter is the best medicine." I have made many a senior and family member laugh over the years. I loved them all. When I see an elderly person embracing life it makes me smile and warms my heart. If it weren't for all of them we would not be here. I have great respect for all and especially for those whose minds and bodies have failed them. Most of my years have been with Alzhiemer's Residents . God Bless Them. Thank you Mary and Thank you to all her Caregivers.
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May 3, 2012 at 11:09 pm | Posted by Carole Payne
This brought up many hilarious moments around the dinner table when my mother-in-law (96) and my husband and I, and our son, would sit and roar over all the misspoken sentences, and replies and continued replies to what was thought to be said; when it was all over, we were hooting and howling over it all.. absolutely no rhyme or reason, just a run of chuckles and shaking of the head, plus aching tummies and sides from the laughter. . OOOoohh it was always so funny! Mary's delivery and timing was everything! Good for her. and great for the audience! Also - God loves a cheerful giver - she truly was "giving"!!! :)
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May 2, 2012 at 11:12 am | Posted by Donna Ziegler
This is cute!!!
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May 1, 2012 at 6:21 pm | Posted by R.Fenimore
My wife said I am older than dirt. I am 76 she is 7 mos. older than me. So what does that make her? Thank you for the laughs.
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April 30, 2012 at 1:13 pm | Posted by Janet Baker
Good afternoon… We are interested in obtaining information on how to ask Mrs. Maxwell to come to FLA to speak at our annual meeting. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks and regards, Janet Baker
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April 29, 2012 at 5:25 pm | Posted by Sandy Bryant
Hi there I am in the medical field working in a doctor's office. I work the back and 98% of our patient's are elderly. I really enjoyed your poem. I strive to be as patient as I can and know how important that little extra chat is. My patients love me and I am truly blessed to have them all. They bring me little gifts that let me know that I am loved for the way I treat them. God bless you Sandy
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April 25, 2012 at 10:57 am | Posted by Mim Achenbach
Sure did enjoy reading all the comments by you senior citizens and was inspired to keep moving!!! I am not quite as old as some of you and can only hope that I can grow old gracefully as many of you seem to be doing!! I do know that keeping my self (body and mind) active are very important and with the help of God I hope to do that. I agree that doing for others in the church and community are good ways to keep ourselves active and encouraged!!!
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April 23, 2012 at 1:46 pm | Posted by harry shuttleworth
enjoyed your poem but when i tried to print it, the type was so small my printer could not pick it up, harry
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April 25, 2012 at 11:03 am | Posted by Cat Koehler
I'm sorry to hear that, Harry! I sent you an email with the poem; hopefully that will work Cat Koehler Social Media Advocate Home Instead Senior Care
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May 3, 2012 at 1:21 pm | Posted by edna jones
Am a Senior and work among our Seniors. Always enjoy doing so and therefore appreciate the ideas, articles, poems etc. from this site. Keep up the good work!
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