By Peter Jennings:

I just realized I’m not laughing like I used to. Where’s Howie when I need him? He’s got the antidote. Or should I say “anecdote”.

You see, back in my days of indentured servitude in the Big Smoke,Howie’s the guy who used to call me all the time with the latest funny stories. Some of ’em even bore repeating. The point is, they were something to laugh about. A respite from the buzzsaw of the daily grind. And Howie’s hysterical pacing and delivery made them funny even when they weren’t.

But Howie doesn’t call with jokes anymore. So I called him.

“Oh, I’m alive, alright,” my man stressed, “and still working. But jokes and funny stories… whew… there’s just no time. Besides, my sources have all dried up. Seems there’s not much that’s funny anymore.”

Bingo! He’s right. And that’s wrong. Wrong, because I’m the kind of guy who believes it’s pretty worthwhile to have something funny in the world, even if it’s only Mike Duffy or Donald Trump (and what’s not funny about The Duff and The Donald?). The fact is, humour is healthy: scientists have proven that a hearty laugh releases endorphins in our systems. They’re those pumped up little guys that tear up and down our internal elevators spreading gaiety and mirth… sort of like Good Humour men for veins.

But getting humour on your side can be a challenge. Did you happen to scan those stats relating to the growing displeasure we’re finding with our lives? If the research stands up to scrutiny, many of us have too much to do and far too little time in which to do it. Even expectant mothers, once the very personification of docile, glowing bliss, become data: 72 per cent of them on maternity leave feel “exceptionally stressed for time”.

As I consider this, a report pops up saying we’re getting angrier as we orbit our vicious little circle, adding fuel to the fire of those two sob-sisters stress and tension. The more we worry about worrying, the more stressed we become. No wonder psychotherapy is on the rise. We used to crack up at good jokes. Now we’re just cracking up.

Are we running out of time for fun because time’s run out on us?

Still, the day is saved. Just as I’m pondering this dilemma, the phone rings. It’s Howie calling back. “Just remembered a story you’ll love.” Without waiting to see if I have time, he launches right into it. “A seniors’ residence is having a little party for the residents. Two old guys are chatting. One says to the other, ‘Geez, you look great! Doing anything different these days?’ ‘Well yes,’ the other chap replies. ‘My wife and I are seeing a new doctor who’s helping us with our memories. You know, when your memory’s firing well, you just feel better!’ ‘Wow! I’ve gotta get me some of that,’ the first guy says. ‘What’s his name?’ ‘Oh, it’s ah… um…,’ the second man stammers.’ ‘Ummm….wait a minute… ummm… long stem rose…. um, thorns… um, red flower…’

‘Rose?’ his friend says.

‘Yeah!’ the other man states happily, ‘that’s right, Rose!’ He turns, looks across the hall and calls out, ‘Rose, what’s the name of that guy we’re seeing…?’

Thanks Howie, I needed that!

And I for one need more of it. So, if you hear a funny story, call me will ya. I’m ready.

And I have a feeling you are too.

I just hope “punch line” doesn’t have a new meaning.

Peter Jennings is an author who enjoys retirement in Muskoka by keeping active and having fun. You can learn more about him at peterjennings.me