My mom and I usually eat at K&W cafeteria at least once a week, but sometimes we eat there more. I try to be at Momís house around 11 a.m. because she likes to get to the cafeteria before the crowd. I was running a little late the last time we went out, and as soon as I walked through the door, I could tell Mom was ready to go.
The drive to K&W was pleasant enough and took about 15 minutes. We went through the line and started to our table. I looked to my left, and saw my cousin and his family in a booth beside a window. I waved, but Mom walked on ahead and didnít see them. I followed her to our table on the other side of the cafeteria, and then told her about seeing my cousin, Michael. Before we finished eating, Michael, his wife, Ann, and their two sons came over and sat down. As we sat and talked, it was evident Mom was enjoying the fellowship and company of family.
While we were chatting, all of a sudden a lady walked up and started talking to us. She began by telling us she had a brain tumor years ago, and promised God if he would heal her, she would encourage someone every day. One way she does this is to make people laugh by telling jokes, so she asked if she could tell us a joke. We nodded, and she began …
ěOne day a cat died and went to heaven. St. Peter told the cat to walk around heaven to see how he liked it. Three and a half hours later, eight mice died and went to heaven. St. Peter told the mice to walk around heaven and see how they liked it. The mice complained their legs were too short for all the walking they would have to do. So, St. Peter gave them skateboards. Sometime later the cat came back. St. Peter then asked the cat how he liked heaven. The cat said, ëHeaven is an awesome place.í Then he added, ëI have to tell you, though, my favorite part were those tasty Meals on Wheels.í î
After hearing the joke, we all laughed and thought it was pretty cool. Of course, Iím thinking this would make a great story for the Salisbury Post. I didnít know the ladyís name, but I knew it took a lot of courage for her to walk up to total strangers and ask to tell a joke. What impressed me the most was the extent of her faith, and how she carried through with the promise she made to God. I later found out the ladyís name is Laverne McKinney, otherwise known as the ějoke lady.î
Michael and his family left after Laverne shared her joke, and then it was just Mom and me. Getting up to leave our table, I couldnít help but think if I had been on time, Mom and I would have missed out on the blessings that morning. God had plans for our lives that day we couldnít see. Even though schedules are important, they shouldnít dictate who we are. Sometimes itís great to take a day off from busy schedules, or just slow down and enjoy the moment. Perhaps, in doing so, you might be lucky enough to hear a joke, like we did.
By the way, did you hear the one about the preacher who let the congregation pick out three hymns? Maybe Iíll share that one with you next week.

Dicy McCullough, a writer and poet, lives in Rowan County. Contact her at 704-278-4377 or at dicymccullough books.com.