The Joy of Laughter
By Mike Colorado
She was sitting by the side of the lake and felt the cold air flush on her face. Martha knew she needed to bring out warmer clothes the next time she ventures out.
Looking through the window of their cottage was her husband, Diego. He thought Maria is having her daily peaceful meditation, a routine she developed some years ago. It seems like she is more settled now and no longer bothered by her bout of unwanted stress episodes.
The sun is now setting nicely beyond the trees, with the silhouettes of it on the clear water of the lake. The wind brings a slight cooler autumn breeze, enhanced by the variety of colored leaves that seem to dance in unison with the wind. The visibility of change is beginning to take shape. Soon, the trees will be bare and the evenings will be chilly again.
Diego came out of the back door, holding a bottle of chardonnay, two glasses, and a cheerful spirit to enjoy the moment. She turns around upon hearing the sounds of breaking twigs and the crushing dried leaves as he stepped on them.
“Weren’t you taking a nap?” She asked. Smiling, he said. “That is the idea of going on vacation, but I have a better idea and I have these!” Showing the bottle of wine, and two wine glasses to her as he set them on a log positioned between the chairs. Then he motioned to uncorked the bottle and poured the contents into the glasses.
They raised their glasses and said, “Cheers!” almost at the same time. They laugh at each other as if they just discovered the joy of laughter.
They sat side-by-side quietly by the water, gently holding each other’s hands, and breathing slowly as they savor the peace and tranquility of the moment. The wine seems to help put them in the mood. And they looked at each other and wondered what these all meant – this feeling of contentment and peaceful co-existence.
Martha and Diego are both in their late seventies, nearing to cross the aging boundaries of life’s uncertainties. They both feel healthy with occasional pains here and there. Their doctor always says, “At your age, you are both in good health. Make the most of life every day, every moment, and try to laugh as much as possible. Do not worry about the small stuff. Letting go of the baggage that troubles you will make you feel happier and enjoy the sweeter side of life. Remember: life begins at birth and ends at death. Any time in-between is a journey. Make that journey a happy and enjoyable trip.”
Haha! It was so long ago when life at sixteen was so wonderful and we thought it would never end. Unfortunately, the clock never stops - tick, tick, tick, tick ...