We know how much our boys enjoy a good joke, and that they especially like to play tricks on each other. Here they seem to be poking fun at someone at their table. Barbara? Michele? It can’t be that pretty lady sitting next to Gianluca…she looks much too happy. Actually she looks rather familiar…hmmm. No matter what, they are having a great time laughing at someone. Notice the differences in their special ways of expressing their enjoyment.
Gian, ever the more sedate one, is containing himself with a knuckle bite. There is a twinkle in his eyes though, and he seems to be enjoying the humor. We’ve seen how far he has come in overcoming his innate shyness and is more comfortable with joining the other guys in their escapades, while still maintaining his dignity. But if he finds himself in the right position, he’s not above giving Piero a playful swat where he has ample room for one.
Piero, true to his Sicilian heritage, uses his hands to express himself, pointing to the victim as if to say, “I’m watching you, and you are cracking me up.” Piero engages his whole body when engulfed in laughter, bending forward or backward, and knee slapping is often included in the action. It’s easy to see that he loves to laugh and gives it his all.
Now Ignazio, not content with just laughing, throws himself back in a huge guffaw. Overacting is his style…nothing subtle about this guy. He is the center of attention, and he makes the most of it. He loves to laugh and to make others laugh. Piero is usually the object of his playful antics, and the interplay between them is an entertaining part of the performance. He tends to be more gentle with Gianluca, understanding his sensitive nature. With Ignazio’s broad smile and endearing dimples, just seeing him laugh makes us laugh, too.
Fortunately, our guys have a great sense of humor, finding the “fun” side of life in whatever they do. And this buffer helps to cushion the pressures of the rigorous schedule and hectic lifestyle. Keep on laughing guys…remember “laughter is the best medicine.” You need to keep the joy in your lives.
It’s a beautiful thing.
~~Mary Bohling~~