Laughing is part of her life, death

Colleen Hendricks believes that “laughter is the best medicine,” and though she is dying, she will laugh and make others do the same. Hendricks is a Golden Age Humorist and her art form is that of comedy. “You get out of life as much love and laughter as you put into it,” she said, “Enjoyment matters.”

Hendricks, 78, debuted as a comedian four years ago when she performed at the Golden Age Center in Trinity County, Calif. The Trinity Journal reviewed her show, as a comedic journey filled with “stories of the perks and perils of being a senior citizen.”

Three years before her debut, Hendricks’ husband of 33 years died. Isolation, loneliness and depression set in. “It’s within you to make the choice to change it if you’re not enjoying life,” she said, and she became a performer.

Hendricks works from a script that she writes herself because her “memory recall button doesn’t work as well as it used to.” She always had a notebook close by and, when an idea popped into her head, she would jot down key words. “When I go back to expand it into a joke, I have no idea what I was thinking about.” In the article, she mentioned that another peril of growing older “is finding words that my dentures allow me to pronounce.”

Her performance includes her collection of hats and their stories as well as the reworded versions of popular songs, made relative to her audience and, like Jeff Foxworthy, she finishes the sentence, “You many be a senior if …”

Other published articles in the Trinity Journal called Hendricks “vibrant, dynamic and a real gem,” which is made evident upon meeting her. Fashionable, perky and quick to laugh, Hendricks shows no signs of dying though doctors tell her otherwise.

Hendricks was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of cancer on Nov. 7; melanoma was discovered in a “spot that never saw the sun.” She was given six months to live. “I have every intention of sailing along as I have been,” she said.

Her comedy routine has expanded to include “the exasperation of dealing with the medical establishment.” Her last performance in Trinity County was what she labeled “Exit Laughing,” a sort of memorial service with a theme of “Damn the cancer; full speed ahead.” One attendee commented “I’ve been to a lot of wakes in my life, but this is the first time the guest of honor has been there.”

Hendricks makes people laugh and this is no time to quit.

Hendricks recently moved to Spokane Valley to continue treatment. She is living with her son, Randy Turner, and his wife, Susan. “I couldn’t ask for better surroundings,” Hendricks said.

Her goal now is to continue to live, jump hurdles and make fun of them. “I see it as no big tragedy,” she said, “It’s harder on the people you leave behind.”

She continues to write her scripts and she has been making the rounds in search of venues to perform in. Though she will perform at no cost, she is hoping she will at least get paid enough for “upkeep.” “You know,” she said, “Hair, nails and fashion.” Those things, along with a good book, a good game of pinochle and the good luck of finding your car in the parking lot the first time around are simple things that make life good. Those and a hearty belly laugh.