The other evening I was talking to my friend Kate in Montana. Kate and I have been friends for twenty-some years and adventures – and we’ve remained friends, with her in Montana and me in Missouri, because we laugh so well together. The other evening was no exception.

When I came down for dinner, Cliff said, “I heard you talking to Katie. I love the sound of your laugh! What were you laughing about?” I didn’t remember. I honestly didn’t remember. Some family story or some escapade story or just the tone of our voices. It didn’t matter. Kate and I have always laughed together.

The same is true with my sisters Judy, Jeanne, and Julia. And with my sons, and with Cliff. I like laughing. A lot. If laughter is the best medicine, I guess I’d rather take a couple of spoonfuls every day if given the choice. Or the opportunity.

I know there’s the saying cleanliness is next to godliness, but wouldn’t it be better said if  we substituted laughter? Think how our world, our economy, our interpersonal relationships could benefit from that kind of medicine!

Laughter is free. Cleanliness, on the other hand takes water, and the world, as we know, is short on water.