In the past, I’ve written a few articles about Black History Month and seem to always ruffle a few feathers. I didn’t intend to address the issue this month, but Saturday night at a drug treatment center I changed my mind.

When greeting the newcomers, I met a black man who was not excited about the session that was to take place. After he gave me his name, I asked where he was from. “New York,” he said, without any expression. “Do you commute?” I asked. He just looked at me with a blank look. “Do you ever smile?” I asked. Convincingly, he answered, “No, I don’t like to smile.” “Don’t,” I said. “Your face might crack.”

The session included me sharing my testimony. The group really enjoys when I make fun of myself, and I believe laughter is the best medicine.

During the talk, I could see that occasionally the new man wanted to let go and enjoy the spirit of the group, but he had a hard time doing so.

After the meeting, I asked if anyone had a birthday this coming week. Every month, Jeanne and I bring sandwiches, sweets and ice cream to celebrate their special

day. No one had a birthday, so I

said that we would still bring the refreshments and celebrate something.

The man from New York came to me after the meeting and said, “I have something we can celebrate.” “What’s that?” I asked. “We can celebrate the ending of Black History Month.” I laughed and said, “That’s a good idea.” He smiled and continued, “You people always shortchange us. You picked the shortest month of the year.”

Saturday can’t come fast enough for me to show him this article. That will be something to celebrate!

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.