Welcome to Wednesday! You’ve heard of birthday parties, Tupperware parties, cocktail parties, lingerie parties, bachelorette parties and even chicken pox parties, right? Well, let me introduce you to the most UNUSUAL party I’ve ever heard of. And, like something out of Studio 54 back in the day, everyone is eventually going to end up with their undies off.
 
Now that I have your undivided attention….
 

 
I won’t be going – it’s not like I don’t have an opening (ba-dum-buh); I’m not due for one. But honestly, isn’t a Pap Party just the best idea? Everybody’s in there for the same reason, there’ll be lots of laughter and anyone who’s on the younger end, again, so to speak, who isn’t comfortable with the routine (and really, who of us is?) could feel more at ease with the vibe in the waiting room.
 
Last month I went for a mammogram and, although there were some tense faces in the room as we sat there in our matching gowns, I was able to crack a few smiles when I said, “Oh, come on – don’t you hate when you show up and everybody’s wearing the same damn thing?” One other gal had the same sense of humour.
 
I recognize and respect that there are women who are there with some very serious concerns on their minds, but I haven’t found a situation yet where even a tiny bit of humour didn’t help – even if just to lift the heaviness for a second. Now I wish I was going to the Pap Party tonight. If you think I had fun with a colonoscopy prep menu (and I did a few months back), boy, could I have my way with this one!
 
Here’s to thinking outside the box (stop it!) when it comes to making medical procedures just a little less awkward for everyone. I love this idea but, most of all, I love a country where we’re not getting a big old invoice at the end of the procedure.
 
Our health care system isn’t perfect, but I am thankful every single day for Tommy Douglas and the forward thinkers who made this possible. Although I’m pretty sure they’d need smelling salts at the thought of tonight’s little gathering. Dress Code: Open (to interpretation).