Reclaiming Playfulness

"Playfulness is often one of the first things to disappear when people experience serious illness -not only for the person who is sick but for the family as well. Play can be important for the patient and the family in getting back into the flow of life. It is particularly difficult to reclaim playfulness when there is serious illness. When people observe someone who is seriously ill and is being playful they may say, 'You aren't taking your illness seriously enough'. It is extremely difficult for members of the family. The wife who goes out with friends for a playful evening when her husband is home ill may hear comments such as, 'How can you be out having a good time when your husband is home sick and dying?' Or, the parent who goes out for an evening when a child is dying may feel guilt, not realizing that for the parent to nurture the child, the parent must take care of himself or herself and do those things that replenish their spirit or else they become part of the problem instead of the solution. It is a very difficult and important area in serious illness both for the person who is ill and the family."

- O. Carl Simonton, MD