The Last Laugh

The Last Laugh
From Chicken Soup for the Soul: Too Funny!
By Marya Morin

Against the assault of laughter, nothing can stand.
~Mark Twain

My brother Zack was dying of lung cancer. He had a week left at most and requested that I stay at his house during those final days to be nearby and help my sister-in-law with his care. It was difficult watching him slowly deteriorate. And as friends and family dropped in to say goodbye, and tears fell unchecked, each day became more somber than the last. A sad, strained pall hung over the house. We understood that those who loved him wanted to see him alive one more time or make peace if they needed to. He, too, had his own parting words to say to people while he was still lucid, but the constant traffic became draining.

On the fourth day, another car pulled into the driveway. When I recognized the visitor, I rolled my eyes and sighed aloud. (Keep reading)