Courtesy of livecomedyla.com

Last Saturday, I attended a holiday party at a friend’s home in Granada Hills. Prior to the party, the host asked me to find a comedian that would be willing to perform for the guests. For a comedy nerd/evangelist like me, you are giddy at the chance to bring comedy and laughter into people’s homes. The very funny and extremely professional Paul Ogataagreed to do the gig.

Paul walked into a situation that would intimidate any comedian – large, immaculate home, unconventional setting, uncertainty of the crowd. He even followed a choir. But Paul handled his business like a pro and absolutely killed it. It was truly great ending to a fun night with friends.

But what made the evening even more special was this email that I received from the host the next day:

Brendon,

I want to thank you and Paul for adding such a positive energy to Saturday night’s festivities. In spite of the glitch with the equipment (which won’t happen again) Paul’s performance was incredible. Laughter is such a gift and Paul is truly blessed to share that with those he comes in contact with. I heard a short story which summarizes how magically someone was touched that night and I’m compelled to share it with you. In the audience was a family who lost their beloved father recently and who had not ventured out much. The wife has been grieving the loss of her husband and the children their father. I heard and saw that Saturday night was the first time in a long time that the children laughed. Thanks to Paul and you for making it possible. Please pass this on to Paul.

All the very best to you and your family during these holidays and into the New Year.

Warm regards,

Vince

I’m not sharing this email so Paul or I can receive praise, but to highlight the power that laughter has. For one night, comedy helped this family with their tragedy.

We do not hear enough of these personal, day-to-day stories about how comedy and laughter affect us in a positive way. Depression, sadness, and behavioral problems are on-going issues for many people that stem from job loss, illness, and death. Often times people turn to prescription medication, drugs, and alcohol to deal with these issues. If you know someone who is going through some rough times, take them out to laugh for an evening at a comedy show. It will make all the difference in the world. Their mind will rest, the tension in their bodies will ease, and their spirits will be lifted.

2010 is just around the corner. A new decade most of us can’t wait to see. If you’re family is anything like my family, the last few years have been rough. But we’re still kicking. I’m positive the only thing that has gotten us through it is Love and Laughter. Because at the end of the day, that’s all we have. Since I’m not a love doctor, I’ll tell you about laughter. Let’s make 2010 the Year of Laughter. Bring it into your life and give it as a gift to others.

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Check out what LCLA wrote:

Matty Balaker’s writing continues to get better and better. He’s always topical and probably writes as much or more than any comedian out there. He only did 5 – 7 minutes last night but it was solid. Matty will be performing 15 minutes at my birthday show on the 18th at Red Rock, so I’m excited to see him do a longer set for the first time in a while. I know he has the goods.

Thanks LCLA

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