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How I Got My Giggle Back

Working for a nonprofit has many upsides, not in the least is knowing that, in some infinitesimal way I'm helping people who are living with hunger, homelessness, domestic violence, substance abuse and a whole host of other challenges.  Everyone is vulnerable to crises like these; and I feel blessed that our family hasn't fallen off the edge.  Knowing that I'm blessed: definitely an upside.

But there's a downside to this nonprofit work too.

Wallowing daily through the seas of stats about people -- including kids -- going hungry and being homeless and abused and drug-addicted can leave me with a certain darkness that crouches just beneath the surface.  And near enough to the surface to do this: I was talking to someone who works with homeless people the other night. In mid-conversation, I found myself getting glassy-eyed [this was supposed to have been a professional conversation!] The darkness was so close to the surface that all it took for a tear to eke out was the person saying "Oh...you're getting teary." That kind of just beneath the surface.  Embarrassing.

I decided that I have to lighten up and find my giggle again.

So, with this in mind I say:

Thank you, Casey.
Your lamentations over glitter nail polish gave me a good, belly-hurting laugh that I sorely needed. When I watch your video, I believe that Divine Providence must have orchestrated that loss just so I could get my giggle on again through your tears. Rodgers jersey or not, the Packers can shoot for the Super Bowl next season.  

Thank you, Would-be Track Stars.
You reminded me of the time I tripped over a rope in gym glass, and after what seemed like a five-minute hang time in mid-air, went flying at least ten feet across the floor.  My BFF laughed so hard she cried.  In fact, she laughed so hard she got in trouble.  She's probably laughing right now about it.  Come to think of it, she's the one who sent me the link to your video.

Thank you, Kelsey Grammar.
The mere thought of you gallantly falling off stage so suddenly puts me in tears. Yes, I know it happened a long time ago; and yes, I'm sure it was quite humiliating for a distinguished actor such as yourself, but think of the joy it has brought to the nonprofit sector.  Well, at least this sector of the nonprofit sector.

Thank you...ME. It get's REALLY funny in the last few seconds. That's all I'm going to say.
'Nuf said...and there's more where that came from.

If you needed to get your giggle back, I hope these videos did the trick.

So...what is it that makes you giggle?
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