The resilience of the human being and our ability to find comfort in the most challenging circumstances.
As a natural and complex human response, laughter is a way of coping with loss, helping many find light within moments of darkness. I never said that the loss of someone is humorous: what I am saying, is that though the topic appears to be contradictory, humor can serve as a release valve, assisting in processing emotional pain.
Laughter can bring with it a sense of normalcy amid chaos, reminding us of the importance of living each day as if it were your last. It is not uncommon for people to share funny stories about loved ones during a eulogy as a way of honoring the memory and joy that the person brought into their lives and the lives of those around them.
The laughter that I reference is not one of not acknowledging the pain of loss, but one that acknowledges grief as a multifaceted phenomenon and that love, and its connection belong in all aspects of our lives.
Additionally, laughter, when shared with pain, brings people together in ways we may never imagine, making us aware that even during darkness we are seldom alone.
Laughter during loss is an example of how resilient we can be as a people in our ability to comfort others while facing challenging circumstances.
I am certain that this story allowed you the opportunity to recollect a memory. “When was the last time you attended a funeral and had a Good Laugh”?