For a little while we put our thoughts to sleep. The hearty laughter blanketing the room drowns the sound of ice softly knocking together in our glasses. It covers every inch of the house like clockwork. Regular intervals of call and response. Story, laughter. It's our family's prayer.
These moments have more emotion, more passion, and more energy than can ever be expressed. Empathy flows through the room. A loop of joy strikes to each and everyone our hearts. Our bellies rumble, sides split, and tears roll on. Even after the story is finished and the laughter has subsided, we can't shake off the giggles. They're halfway points between more laughter and more story. We don't want either to stop.
We realize how complacent we have become by those who surround us. With a single death we remember what family means.
