What's So Funny?
Russell Gayer, author speaker
Houston, We Have a Problem
This week’s photo prompt inspired me to take a brief respite from the laborious task of writing humor and take on one of the most serious challenges facing our society today—addiction. Not a single family on the face of our planet has escaped the unscrupulous chokehold of dependency. Alcoholism, gambling, drugs, and even sex addiction are some of the most common.
Today’s story is an effort to raise awareness to a lesser known affliction and simply say, “You are not alone.” If you or someone you love is suffering from addiction, please get help.
This week’s photo is courtesy of Rich Voza. To read more stories, visit Roberta Wisoff-Fields blog, http://rochellewisofffields.wordpress.com/ and click on the little blue InLinz critter to find links other author’s blogs.
“Where is she?”
“Last door on the left, room 2213.”
“God, I feel so guilty about admitting her. We tried so hard. I feel like a failure (choking back tears).
“Now, now, (placing a hand on his shoulder) don’t beat yourself up. You did everything you could, and bringing her here was the best thing for both of you.”
“Can you cure her, doctor?”
“This is the best addiction treatment center in the Ozarks. We can help her, but she’ll always be a recovering addict.”
“Is she making progress?”
“Yes, Mr. Fields. She readily admits to being addicted to purple.”
28 Comments on “Houston, We Have a Problem”
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What's So Funny? 
sneaky, you are.
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I hate to say this, but I suspected you of telling an untruth!! Glad you did.
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Thank-you for my SECOND literary “WTF” moment …
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What’s so funny there? Nothing at all!
On a serious note, How do you do this every time!
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Thanks for the kind words. This was the easiest prompt I’d been handed in a long time.
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Dear Russell,
First of all, Mr. Fields says to tell you that after ten step programs and years of therapy, Mrs. Fields hasn’t been able to overcome her addiction.
This was hilarious. I laughed til I cried.
Shalom,
Roberta-Rothschild
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My sympathies to Mr. Fields. Perhaps we should start with some warm, neutral colors and earth tones. Be prepared for flashback and withdrawls, but you can whip it.
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I got a good chuckle out of this. Poor, poor Rochelle…
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Thank you once again for making me laugh!
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Why you sneaky Pete. Never suspected that zinger at the end.. quite a comical tribute to Rochelle and her “purple” addiction. Once again, thank you for another burst of sudden chuckles.
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I didn’t know about Rochelle’s addiction but now that I’ve read the story and seen the prompt, I think I’ve got it too. Gonna go put on some Deep Purple and Purple Rain, guys, I’m falling into a Purple Haze!
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Back seat! And NOW boy! 🙂 Good one Russell. As I’ve recently changed my laptop I waited until I’d had my toast before reading – good job too.
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I’m glad I wasn’t drinking anything when I read it, Sandra. I’m sure it would have spurted out my nose. My lesser addiction is caffeine.
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It’s good she’s getting treatment. They say purple addiction causes 40,000 color clashes every year in the US alone.
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Yes, I’m just glad we were able to take this story public. Hopefully, it will give others the confidence to come forward and seek help too.
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I’m addicted to black, but my family just calls me “emo” and laughs at me. No understanding of the bigger issue, I tell you.
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the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. well done.
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She is not alone. I have a sister-in-law with the same addiction, right down to purple hair at various times in her life. Nicely written.
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I think she need’s Rich’s reindeer to bust her out. The world needs more purpley addicted people!
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Ha, addiction is bad, and the addiction to purple is bad. That’s what IKEA is needed for. White walls 🙂 funny
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Hi Russell,
You almost sucked me in. But I’ll never believe you can resist the urge to be funny. Was wondering if you could get me some of that good purple stuff. I heard you were connected to the Goshen cartel. I’d even accept green or gold. Ron
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Love that smack at the end…won’t see purple the same anymore!
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caught me totally off guard. Addicted to Purple, must be a rare disorder, she must be one in a million.
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Yes, she is 🙂
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aw. 😉
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Wow, you got me. Hilarious!
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Hook, line AND sinker. Nice one, Russell.
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Dear Russell,
First thing out of the box on Friday, Rothschild says to me, “Have you read Russell’s?” and I said “No, but let me go check it out.” I did and I have been laughing ever since. Brilliant work and almost too easy. She’s just standing there, taking those pies in the face. Sign of a good host, I guess, but remember what they say about revenge.
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