In Others' Words: Is to Laugh

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"Through humor, you can soften some of the worst blows that life delivers. And once you find laughter, no matter how painful your situation might be, you can survive it." ~ Bill Cosby, comedian

Long, long ago, I was a mom of one little boy. This little guy had been sick for days.There was no leaving the house — we didn't dare wander too far from the bathroom.

Finally — 24 hours of all-is-well. So, I call Sara, my mom-friend, and suggest an outing to the mall. Not that I had any money to spend, but, hey! let's just get out of the house for the morning.

Two moms. Two preschoolers buckled in car seats. Freedom. The mall — a mom's mecca — in sight. And then … what's that ominous noise I'm hearing in the back seat? I pull the car over to the side of the road. Exit the car, stage left. Open the back door to check on my toddler son … duck in the car …

And my son throws up in my face.

All over me.

Uh-huh.

In silence, I calm my crying son. Clean him off. Walk back to the driver's seat and get back into the car. I can see the mall … so close and yet so far away. Sara asks, "Are you OK?"

"Give me a minute, " I say, as I wipe throw up off my face, my coat. "I can't think of anything funny about this right now. But give me a minute …"

And then we both start laughing. And laughing.

Because, really, what else can we do? Cry?

In Your Words: When have you survived a difficult or painful situation with a little bit of laughter ?