Every week, a young widow went to her husband’s grave to pay her respects and water the flowers. Her dedication was obvious to everybody who saw her. She never missed a visit, rain or shine, and her schedule was always the same. She would gently care for the flowers, keeping them well-watered and clean, and then walk away without looking back.
This action interested a young man who visited the cemetery for his reasons. Week after week, he watched the widow conduct her mournful routine with dedication. He saw that, unlike others who often lingered or gazed back at their loved ones’ graves, this woman always turned her back as she began to depart. His interest grew with each passing week, and he eventually decided to approach her.
One day, after she had finished tending to the flowers and started to go away, the young man approached her. “Excuse me,” he whispered, not wanting to startle her. “I’ve been watching you for a while now, and I have to say that your respect for your late husband is admirable. It’s incredibly nice that you don’t turn back when you go.” The widow paused, then turned to face him. She smiled slightly as she stared him in the eyes.
Her response surprised and caught the young man off guard. “Well,” she said, “my husband used to say I had a behind that could lift the dead from their graves. “I do not want to take any chances.” Laughter and humor are essential parts of our emotional well-being. They enable us to face life’s hardships with a lighter heart and connect with others on a more profound level.
This story about the young widow and her witty quip exemplifies the eternal power of a good joke to provide joy, establish a connection, and remind us of the necessity of seeing the bright side of things.