I spent several hours today with my grandson, little two-year-old Ethan. He helped me take out all the trash, blow leaves, and scoop up dog poop. He also ate oatmeal with lots of cherries, and over the day he had pineapple, dried mango, a turkey patty, nuts, potato leek soup, and an apple. Best yet, he laughed over the smallest things. The way Cordie ate apples slices, the way MeMaw played peek-a-boo with him, the way the birds sang or a big truck sounded. He especially enjoyed watching a kids’ show called Trash Truck, which was quite charming.

I have not been laughing a lot lately. The national news has kept me more serious than usual. Until today with Ethan. I couldn’t help but laugh with him. He is so adorable, it’s hard not to crack a smile around him. All my grandkids are adorable, of course, and always cheer me up. Today was Ethan’s turn.

If you don’t have access to a toddler, just go to your local park and watch them play. The sheer joy with which they approach life will lift your spirits. It might even make you laugh. That is a good thing.