I'm sitting here at work listening to some women down the aisle laugh really hard. They keep saying "oh Gary", to this man who must be saying or doing something funny. I can't hear him, though.

All of a sudden, it popped into my head why I, the meek and mild 7th grader that I used to be, got in trouble in Mrs. Partlow's class all the time for talking. John Hardwick who sat near me used to make me laugh all the time. He was smart and funny and an expert at drawing cartoon characters all over the place. I secretly adored him, but could never admit that to myself, let alone him! At any rate, since I was the one doing all the laughing, I was the one who got the evil eye all the time. She never heard nor saw what he was doing! It all makes perfect sense now!!

I believe, (speaking as one who now gets a charge out of making other laugh) that there is a secret delight in evoking laughter from others. Especially when the target seems such a shy quiet one. Then the victory is even sweeter.

Here's to you, John. You will always hold a special place in my heart.