November 17, 2023
— Maya Angelou
On Monday morning, when he saw Jane, she had another corny joke for him: “Knock knock. Who’s there? Lettuce. Lettuce who? … Lettuce in and you’ll find out.”
He wanted to groan, but he smiled politely and went on his way, consumed by grief. Later, when he was at Trader Joe’s in the produce section and saw the heads of lettuce, he started laughing. It was an uncontrollable laughter, a laughter so irrational, he left the carriage in front of the produce and walked out of the store and sat in the car for another five minutes, trying to get control.
Maybe it was all the emotions he had suppressed for months cascading out, or maybe it was a desperate cry for help from his inner self. Who knows what it was, but when he got over being embarrassed with himself, he savored the joy he felt for those few fleeting moments.
It didn’t last forever because his grief was still there the next day. However, it was a necessary reminder that he could still laugh, over the corniest joke.
On our healing journey, we need those reminders. They may be virtually impossible at first, but eventually the occasions will present themselves, and you should not shun them. Nor should you feel guilty if you find yourself laughing. Look at it this way. The loved one you lost will certainly want to see you laughing again, however hard it may be in the beginning.
***
It’s true what they say. Laughter is the best medicine.
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