Do you ever wonder why some things hit our funny bone harder than others, or why some hang on for so long? It’s kind of like how some songs can take you back to a place and time instantly.
My mind and imagination can be so strong sometimes I simply can’t hold back a giggle or laugh.
As a kid those giggles would hit me hardest in someplace like church. A place that you need to be still and pay attention. Along with the mind games I played with myself was the visual reinforcement.
I recall one day in church about 50 years ago. This wonderfully kind and well-appointed woman was in the pew in front of us and as we stood to sing a song, I noticed she had on a pair of shoes that was unusual. One was black and the other was blue. The design was exactly the same, but obviously she’d grabbed the right one of the black and the left one of the blue pair. I was doing well in handling the sight until standing for the second song. That is when my sister nodded to this sweet woman’s feet and then looked at me with a goofy expression. Third song, another family member leans over to me from the other side and whispers (after doing a stare at the shoes), “she has another pair just like that at home.”
WHY did I think that was so funny? I lost my composure and was so thankful it was during a song so I could maybe get ahold of myself. Through the rest of the service, I kept thinking of the shoes and would have an errant giggle escape. Mother didn’t know what was going on and I got “the look.” It didn’t help. I just smiled bigger and fought harder not to laugh. Did it strike harder since we weren’t supposed to react or was it really that funny?
Anyone who knows me well knows I have a big laugh and sometimes it just can’t be contained.
Recently someone sent me a similar likeness, side-by side, photo comparison of a movie character and someone we both know. I could not stop looking at it and laughed so hard I woke up the household. Once I’d get a grip, I’d look at it again and start laughing all over again. The ridiculous, out of control belly laugh! I’d never noticed the resemblance before but suddenly could not get it out of my mind. I Could Not Unsee It!
Low and behold, the very next day I saw the person face to face and nearly choked. Where did my mind go? Directly to that doppelganger picture of course. It was absolutely impossible for me to speak to this person, or to anyone for a minute. I finally had to look away because my funny bone was doing the jig and I couldn’t stop it.
There really is no moral to this story other than I am thankful I get uncontrollable silly thoughts and giggles instead of uncontrollable dread or fear. I am sure the pull from those emotions is every bit as strong and doubly difficult. So, for those who are fighting the other side of the spectrum, “Hakuna Matata”. I hope you find something to make you giggle today.
