One Word at a Time

He was starring at me, totally unaware of his own feelings--where he was or even who he was, and yet, this moment will hold "special" significance to me for years to come. He had been through a sort of hell just a short time earlier, if his pain was evident, that is, only the "physical" side of it. I had often wondered just how he was feeling deep down. I was told that he had a hole in one of his lungs and was scheduled for surgery within a month, in Boston, following tests. It wasn't supposed to be this way, at least, it wasn't according to all the books that I had read. I was engrossed in mixed emotion, but grateful to have him home with me. Was this an inquisitive look? Maybe it was something else. He looked deep into my eyes and would not release his gaze, his eyes following me everywhere I went.

Suddenly from out of nowhere there came laughter, and joy filled my heart. It was the first time I realized that he was truly happy. It was deep and loud and the room exploded with the richness of his tone. I don't know what was so funny, but the laughter didn't stop, and as it continued, I joined in, and couldn't stop.

I just wanted him to share in the gladness that I felt at his presence, and I was totally unprepared for the sudden outburst. This tender moment, I will always treasure. Thirty-eight years have passed. The pictures that line my desk show him beaming with a very healthy smile, and usually he is posing with his wife and son. One day, I asked my grandson what he liked best about me, and he said that I liked to laugh. It must be true as my nephew at two, remarked, when I was laughing, "auntie, your a clown." Kids are so funny!

He is soon to be a daddy once again, to another boy, and I can hardly contain myself, we are all looking forward to meeting him, especially mom who has bravely endured the heat all summer.
Laughter goes beyond smiles, it's when you are tickled pink, experiencing the height of happiness -- the so-called tickling of the inners. His brother is very excited, calling him a wha-mie, "cause that is what babies do". But, I'm holding out for the laughter.

Laughter is contagious, it is the highest form of the expression of joy and delight. Laughter breaks forward in singing. Laughter is God's gift to share with one another. Laughter is the essence of a free and happy spirit.