Belly Laughing

This was definitely my fault.

It had started innocently enough, with an invitation to another couple to join us for dinner. It had now grown to an entourage, ten of us, as I managed to expand the envelope to include just about anyone I happened to bump into along the way.

We were at a nearly deserted Chinese restaurant, making more noise than we were legally allowed. Belly laughing at the stories that were being thrown across the table. Belly laughing.

There are some people blessed with the gift of making those in their company feel lighter, easier. The aches of every day existence receding for a moment or so. Last night I was happy to be there to listen and watch as this was unfolding. Tales being told, asides being exchanged. I was most definitely on the periphery, a small character in this play. A bit part. My main role was merely being a precipitating factor in bringing this covey of quacks together.

There were friends among us who knew each other’s punch lines, who had that easy camaraderie that made a night like this seem simple. But it is far from a simple thing to bring laughter of this magnitude to a group of people who have all been around the block more than a few times.

I give my thanks and a shout out to those who made me belly laugh. It is as fine a wine as any that a person can manufacture.