Bad jokes Quote by Matt Blackstone
““When my mom was first diagnosed with cancer, I learned the word "malignant" and heard the word "spread" and knew the word "hope" was a mirage, a fantasy that would only make things worse. But then I learned the word "remission," and the doctors loosened their ties, cracked bad jokes (said her blood type was B-positive, so we should be optimistic, too), and they increased the odds of her survival to fifty-fifty, like she was something to wager on in Vegas. I slept well and ate well and celebrated on the inside. My kidneys shook pom-poms, my liver did an Irish jig, my small intestines did the worm. The future was bright with a likely chance of sunshine--and then it was over.””
About This Quote
Source Memoir: Personal Narrative, 2021
Hope can feel false during illness, but remission offers a realistic chance that can restore optimism and improve wellbeing.
In simple terms: Remission revives hope.
Key Takeaway
Focus on tangible progress, not false hope.
Themes
illness
hope
remission
Mood
hopeful
reflective
Type
inspirational
personal
When to use this quote
- patient support groups
- clinical communication
- psychological counseling
- family discussions
Key Concepts
Coping mechanisms
medical optimism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance realistic expectations with optimism?
- What role does humor play in coping?
A Different Perspective
Remission may be temporary; hope can still be fragile.
