Even as a comedian, I had no idea how important laughter was to people. Making people laugh was my exclusive focus.

That changed in a church parking lot in Edgerton, Kansas. After a show in the church, a man followed me to my car. As I was unlocking my door, he surprised me when he said, “Thank you.” When I turned around, there was the man I had on stage with me earlier.  I had randomly selected him to come on stage and participate in some silly antics with me – which he graciously did.

When he thanked me, I offered my hand to accept his appreciation. He refused it. Instead, he broke that personal space we save for very special people in our life. He put his hands on my shoulders, looked me in the eyes and said, “Three months ago, I lost my baby boy. This is the first time I have laughed since that tragic day.

Thank you for reminding me that you just have to laugh. I’m going to be okay now. Thank you.”He squeezed my shoulder hard, wiped his tears and walked away. His words changed my life. I made it my mission to serve humanity every day with how and why “You Just Have To Laugh.”