Look for the humor

Sherri T.

My mother would always look for the humor in any situation.  That way, she felt she could handle anything, whether ­it was actually funny or not.

 So the other night when I was abruptly awakened from a sound sleep at 1:30 am, I was digging deep to find the levity. 

I rarely have a sound sleep.  The one time that it finally arrives is the one time that it gets totally disrupted.  Here’s why.

It was dark and quiet when a blaring voice comes BLASTING at 1:30 am through the intercom that happens to be positioned right over my head.  It was the concierge in the building who was frantically trying to inform the residents why a fire alarm was beeping in one (read that again – one) of the units.

1:30 am: Attention, attention.  Can I have your attention please.  (Do I have a choice?)  This message is to inform you that a fire alarm has accidentally gone off in one of the units on the 15th floor.  (I am 10 floors down.  Is this my business?  Do I need to know this – at 1:30 am?)  We are investigating the situation.  You will not hear from me again.

1:45 am: Attention, attention.  Can I have your attention please.  We believe that this is a false alarm and there is nothing to worry about.  I repeat, there is nothing to worry about.  Everything is under control.  You will not hear from me again.  (Seriously?)

2:00 am: Attention, attention.  Can I have your attention please.  We cannot find what is causing the problem.  We are calling the alarm company to investigate.  You will not hear from me again.  (Good to know, but your credibility is wearing thin.)

2:15 am: Attention, attention.  Can I have your attention please.  The alarm company is very busy and will not be able to come over right away.  We will look into the situation as soon as possible.  In the meantime, if you have a problem, call 911. 

Hello 911?  I have a problem.  Can you please help me find the humor in losing the only good night of sleep I have had in a month?