I believe it was on an airplane a few years ago that I first met humorist David Sedaris. Well, I didn’t meet him exactly, but it sure felt like I did.
The flight attendant had just wheeled the beverage cart down the aisle past us, the condensation from my Coke puddling, leaving the corners of my book damp, which would later become wrinkled. I didn’t mind because I laughed so much on that plane ride, all wrapped up in a Delta blanket, most likely annoying other passengers with my overhead light and waking Chris up every few minutes to say, “This is so funny.”
The minute we got home, I raced out to the local bookstore to purchase more of his books: “Naked,” “Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim,” “Holidays on Ice,” “Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk.” For those of you who haven’t read his hilarious, side-splitting, yet poignant essays, I invite you to find a quiet spot, preferably not in a contained space of high altitude at midnight, but instead somewhere you can laugh until you pee.
Laughter is good for the soul. It has been my saving grace, whether laughing at myself or with others. A good uncontrollable giggle is the best medication for almost anything that ails you. I laugh at my 3-year-old niece dancing like Michael Jackson to her favorite songs, “Beat It” and “Billie Jean.” I find humor in all kinds of places — the neighbor who walks her dog every morning in her fluffy housecoat and rollers; my 140-pound Great Dane, Naomi, who lets a fly chase her around the yard, getting the better of her; Mitch and Cam who never fail to make me roar with laughter at their antics on “Modern Family.”
When I was just an awkward kid, I loved to pull down the blue plush armrest in our family Oldsmobile and sit up high so as to not miss anything. Mama would always say something funny, usually about someone. followed by “Bless her heart,” and when I laughed it was the kind of laugh that made us both tear up. I can still hear her say, “Lord have mercy, did your giggle box turn over?” She had such a beautiful laugh.
So, my summer must-have for all of you is to grab a book or a grab a friend — or both — and make yourself roar with laughter, not the little half-hearted attempts either. Go big or go home. Laugh until people stare. Laugh until everyone is laughing with you, or at you. Does it matter?
I really met my favorite author at a book signing last week, and as he was signing my copy of his new book, “Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls,” David Sedaris had me in stitches with his advice that I open a new hair salon, invite only the most eccentric, colorful characters around, and call it the Astyleum.
He laughed. I laughed. Now it’s your turn!
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.