marcoujor: The Best Medicine

Happy Wednesday and Happy Summer too!For years I’ve wrestled with my ambivalence towards May and June. These are two months filled with memories of loved ones gone and life-changing trauma.

Yet these months also celebrate special days in the lives of family and friends--times of joy, hope and smiles.  

One man in particular is both family and friend, my cousin who lives in North Augusta, SC who has a birthday on June 15th. Thomas is from Miss Sammie’s side of the family, the only child of Mom’s oldest sister, Maryruth and my Uncle Pete.

While slightly older than me, Thomas and I share a passionate love of music, especially southern rock. He is a trusted confidant, despite the miles that separate us and I cannot think of him without an ENORMOUS smile attacking my face.

The last few years Thomas has lost two beloved ladies in his life--his wife, Mary, and a longtime friend, Lois Lee.

Despite profound sadness, his life outlook remains optimistic and positive. I recently received this email from Thomas. I hope you all take the time to watch this brief advertisement.

This is a reminder that we all have troubles (and if you don’t, I am seriously happy for you). Even more, this is a reminder that of all the treatments and remedies in the world, laughter is truly the best medicine.

Here you go...

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​When you think of riding the subway, laughter and joy aren’t the first words that spring to mind.

It’s a cramped place full of grumpy people either coming home from a bad day at work or are just generally upset. Yet if you’re lucky enough, sometimes you can find happiness in a subway train.

One such magical moment was captured when a Belgian advertising agency working for Coca-Cola hired an actor to randomly start laughing on the train.

With the tagline, “Happiness starts with a smile.” Their new ad aims to bring a bit of joy to everyone’s day.

Just watch and we dare you not to let out a small giggle, too.

​Thanks, Thomas. That video was ‘just what the doctor ordered’. I wanted to share this, along the same lines, I start laughing from the inside out when I listen to this song...

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ShoutOuts

☙ Studying is not every child's cup of tea via Martie’s Foyer

☙ Thinning the Fruit ~ When Less is Better! Via WarnerWords

​☙ Counting Your Change via Fireside with Rolly

​☙ Guardian Blue via On Story Street

​☙ Misnomers about our wild horses, burros and other news

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May our collective laughter truly be infectious through this world. Hey ... I can hear you Canada, Sweden, South Africa, London and all four corners of our United States.

Hugs and see you next week,

mar ​