He laughed so hard

They said he laughed so hard tears ran down both cheeks.
They didn't know why, or what was so funny.
That part didn't matter.
(An inside joke that even he couldn't understand or explain.)
They shared in his laughter.
Contagious joy penetrating the constant backdrop of confusion.
That was enough.

His playful nature and years of practical jokes
revealed and relived in the present moment.
Bright blue eyes, sparkling.
A hand to his forehead, a shake of the head,
perhaps in disbelief of the hilarity of the situation.

Beneath the laughter resides the smile, which speaks beyond the jokes
to a lifetime of kindness and gentleness.
Connecting him to a time and place, then with now.

They said he laughed so hard tears ran down both cheeks.
(Remember, the tears are part of the story but not the main character.)
They shared in his laughter, enjoying the gift he has to give.
That was enough. Indeed it is enough.
It is all we have.