CONSIDER THIS: Exercise Your Laughing Mussel

By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
Managing Editor
editor@sbnewspaper.com

Michael Rodriguez

Michael Rodriguez

Even though it’s been more than 10 years, I can still remember the look on my friend’s face the first time he tried mussels.

George – an eccentric fellow who I thought of as a brother – said something rather curious to me as we looked on in confusion at some of our lunch options at a Chinese buffet in Harlingen. “Hey Scott,” George said before pointing at the mussels, “Dare me to eat that?” This was George code for, “I’m going to do something I know I shouldn’t do, but I’m calling it a dare so I can blame you later if it all goes wrong.”

Amused, I scoffed and replied, “Go for it, dude.”

So there we sat, finishing our orange chicken and egg rolls when he began eyeing his self-issued dare. “You don’t think I’m gonna do it, do you?” George asked nervously while shifting his eyes at the mussel on his plate and back up at me. He was definitely stalling, so I humored him with a nod in the affirmative. Then he did it.

Have you ever seen someone’s color drained from their face after being scared silly? Well, that was George’s facial reaction, only his eyes also widened and his smile turned into a scowl as an unmistakable look of dread washed over his face. Fumbling for his drink, George told me while clenching his teeth that he was going to vomit. I suppose it was safe to assume at this point that my friend – a self-proclaimed seafood connoisseur – didn’t find mussels as fresh-tasting as oysters doused in lemon juice and hot sauce or as piquant as a nice stuffed quahog.

Before continuing, I should tell you that I had a bit of a falling out with George prior to this memorable lunch. Understand that he was a warm soul, fiercely loyal and one of two best friends I considered family, but he could also be morose and overbearing. A number of our mutual friends have even agreed – albeit in fond recollection – that one was not really close to George until he took a swing at them.

Still, there was something about watching George trying not to puke that was hysterical. He was prone to misadventure, you see. In fact, and now that I think about it, there was always something funny he did that brought us together despite our differences. I wonder now if his attempt at eating mussels was more for my benefit than his, especially since I nearly died laughing that day. It’s a story that I share with many people as a testament to George’s fun-loving character, which by far overshadowed whatever cross he had to bear.

It’s been more than a year since his death, but George can still make me laugh. I suppose that’s why I thought of him this week when I heard of Robin Williams’ passing. While I know there has already been so much said about this beloved entertainer’s tragic death, it reminded me of how important laughter has been in my life. Consider that Williams was a big part of my childhood who brought joy to so many people. For instance, there were times when I had trouble sleeping, but it was nothing that Mrs. Doubtfire couldn’t handle. (I can’t tell you how many times I’ve fallen asleep watching that movie.)

As one who believes in the healing power of laughter, looking back on what made me chuckle has been good medicine.

So here’s to the people in our lives who bring smiles to our faces, who make us cry laughing, and who light up our lives with such glee that we forget about all the burdens that our busy lives have inflicted upon us.

I’d give almost anything right now to watch George corner himself into another ill-advised dare – even if just for five minutes, it’d be a hilarious five minutes that’ll last me the rest of my life. It’s rare that you’ll find someone who can exercise your laughing muscle in such a way. I can only hope that I’ll have the same impact on those close to me.

 

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