Laughter

“The earth laughs in flowers.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

One of the things that I love best about my family is that we always find something to laugh about. People probably think we are insane because it doesn’t take much to get us going.

There is something about laughing until tears are streaming down your face, and you can’t catch your breath, that is absolutely wonderful.

Laughter is contagious, infectious … one of those “ious’s.” I would rather be stupid in love and full of laughter than all serious and uptight any day of the week. Trust me, I’ve experienced both.

Probably the most embarrassing time to laugh is during a funeral. That happened, just once, and never again. It was my first funeral … a dear friend had passed away. It took two stiff drinks just to go to the viewing, also a first. Somehow, I knew that showing up at the service with liquor on my breath would have been frowned upon.

I can’t remember what it was that set me off, but suddenly I was choking back what could have been called “polite” laughter, if there is such a thing.

Finally, I had to go outside. Someone followed me because he thought I was crying, and once outside, the laughter came out and I couldn’t stop. It was terrible. He looked at me as if I had lost my ever-loving mind, which was entirely possible.

The only other time I nearly laughed in church was when a friend invited me to attend her church. I totally respect a person’s faith, no matter what it might be, but nothing had me prepared for the Holy Rollers.

I remember praying to God to please get me out of the church, and I would never visit ever again. I kept my promise.

The last time I saw my friend, she was face down on the carpet speaking in a language I had never heard before. We never discussed what happened, and I’m pretty sure our friendship faded away.

So, dear reader, keep smiling and don’t forget to laugh … especially at yourself.