My mother and I were having our monthly lunch date at a little cafe, a ritual we began during the past year. We’d never been particularly close, starting with our dramatic fights during my teenage years three decades ago. So, when she suddenly expressed a desire for more connection with me, I seized the cha-nce, aware of time’s passing and the need for healing.

Our first lunch felt strained, but soon we began to share laughter with our salads. On this day, however, our talk took an unexpected turn. “He acts like it isn’t happening,” my mother said of my father’s deteriorating health. “I can’t talk with him about it.” “Well, I’m not surprised,” I responded, sadly. “He’s turned a blind eye to most things in life that he finds distasteful.”

My mother fell silent at my comment, tears filling her eyes. “I just wanted us to have a good time today,” she said forlornly. “Mom,” I replied. “We are having a good time. Just because we aren’t laughing doesn’t mean things aren’t good. Sad feelings are a part of life and expressing them means we are having a real time. “

I gave my mom a hug and we continued our lunch quietly. As I drove home later I reflected, just what is a good time? TV commercials, films, and magazine ads depict good times as people with their heads thrown back in laughter or gathered in large groups. I, however, think some of the best times are a comfortable sweet silence or a heartfelt talk shared with someone dear to me. — Beliefnet.com