Flowers in California

Flowers in California

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Pain, Laughter and Gratitude

Jon Lovitz holds a very special place in my heart.  He doesn't know it and never will.  But he will always hold it.  And I'm fine with that.

I had a health problem in 1996 and for one difficult night I endured terrible pain.  It wasn't life-threatening but it was awful and it was a bad time.  I will never forget that night, that time, but life goes on.

Despite the unpleasantness of that one night, I will always remember a good thing from it.  I watched Jeopardy and celebrities were playing that week.  One of the celebrities playing was Jon Lovitz.  And he made me laugh.

It wasn't just one thing he said, and I don't remember anything specific, but he made a difference in my life.  He and all comedians make people laugh, of course, but how often do we really think about how awesome that is?  They are funny people and they can use their humour to reach people and make them happy or a little closer to happy.  Television, the Internet, and other media allow them to extend their reach.  They have an awesome power.  I know Jon Lovitz helped me.

When we think of helping professions and noble callings in life, we may not think of comedians, other entertainers, writers, artists, singers.  But these people who use their talents, which I think must be God-given, reach out from themselves to others and can make a positive difference.  And they can't even know all the effects they really have on the lives of others.

Everyone has valuable contributions to share in life.  Whatever a person's role or roles, they have something to offer.  It is an incredible mystery how it all works out.

Every time I see Jon Lovitz on tv or hear him when he does voices on The Simpsons, I remember what he did for me.  I still appreciate it.

JAHD

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