SuperHappyFu-
nKitty

LAUGHTER

Hilly village lanes,

Whitewashed sunlit walls.

Cerulean sea.

The laughter of children.

No matter where in the world you go, no matter how many languages

are spoken, and no matter how many times cultures and governments clash,

the laughter of children is universally uplifting. The mirth of adults

can be variously jealous, insecure, sadistic, cruel, or absurd, but the

sound of playing children evokes the ideal of a simple and pure act.

There are no concepts, no ideologies — only the innocent pleasure of

life.

We as adults dwell upon our grizzled complexities, our existential

anxieties, and our preoccupations with responsibilities. We hear the

merriment of children and may sigh over our lost childhoods. Although we

can no longer fit into our old clothes and become young again, we can

take comfort in the optimism of children. Their rejoicing can gladden us

all.

We are too often in a rush for our children to grow up. It is far

better for them to fully live each year of their lives. Let them learn

what is appropriate to their time, let them play. And when their

childhood is spent at adolescence, help them in a gentle transition.

Then their laughter will continue to resonate with cheer and hope for us

all.