LETTERS: WE NEED TO STOP AND LAUGH

To the editor:

How long has it been since you had a really good laugh? In these fast-paced times, it may have been a while. We are all so busy with our jobs and computers or just watching television that we don't laugh enough. Sometimes television makes me laugh, but it often leaves a lot to be desired.

That's were laughter comes into the picture. It often helps to seek the funny side of things. I found a good example of that in my back yard the other night. One of my dogs was sleeping upside-down. He was perfectly balanced, with all four feet sticking in the air. I watched him for several minutes, laughing and waiting for him to fall over. He didn't, and I caught the faintest hint of a smile on his upside-down face. I think he was laughing at himself as he slept. I know he wouldn't laugh at me.

So what do you think is better? Laughter beats crying and brooding hands down. Poke some fun at some of life's problems when you can. Your day may go a lot better when you do. Your old ticker will appreciate it, and you might live longer. A big smile will beat a frown anytime. Laugh at some of the things you see or experience, but try not to laugh at someone else's expense. Perhaps the old says is true: Laughter really is good medicine.

As an unexpected postscript to this theory, the dog that was sleeping upside-down was named Moose. He died in his sleep last night. Tomorrow didn't come for him. So now I'll test the laughter theory, as I am determined to put on a happy face. I don't know the name of the author who wrote an article many years ago about the best place to bury a dog. I believe it ended like this: "Where is the best place to bury a dog? The best place to bury a dog is in your heart."

WAYNE BERRYHILL

Villa Ridge, Ill.