BJ loved to laugh. The intensity that often came through in his personality, sometimes shielded this fact. His laugh was infectious, and unique. When he would erupt, it drew others... especially his mother and me, into the folly.

When the kids were young, for one April Fool's day, I decided to try to "get" them. I pulled out their two favorite cereals and switched the contents. Then just to make sure they knew they had been had, I did the same to the milk and orange juice. It was foolish not to take pictures of the result.

The initial expressions were followed by double takes to both the boxes and pitchers. They were more than worth the small effort that went into the prank. Ultimately, when they heard the words, "April Fools!" the giddy laughter replaced the sleepy confusion that had overtaken them. I was promptly swarmed and beaten by little fists.

BJ never forgot this. Each year, he would try to outprank his first experience. Honestly, unknown to him, most of his attempts were truly 'old school.' I never really tried hard after that year. In my mind, I would never be able to outdo what had been accomplished on an early morning whim.

His best attempt came about two years ago. He had heard some "new ideas" at school. "New ideas" work on unsuspecting, otherwise occupied, too busy to notice, parents.

Perhaps I should have noticed him lurking around every corner, waiting for the payoff. I was busy... doing nothing... but busy. Then it happened. I stood at the kitchen sink to rinse a mug. I was too involved in the mundane to notice the obvious. Upon lifting the faucet handle to release it's flow, I was overwhelmed by a stream of water I could not identify. Volcanic laughter burst forth from around the corner! He had taken a rubber band, secured it around the sink sprayer trigger, and aimed it perfectly at the position of the unsuspecting user. By the time I gathered my bearings, and figured out what was happening, I was drenched!

The chase was on! We covered every inch of that home as he tried to escape my rather moist demeanor. It's amazing how long it takes to figure out what has just happened, as the water continues to dampen your experience. Whatever I did to him, was not close to the victory he had achieved.

Fortunately, my suspicions were now raised, and I saw the plastic wrap stretched tightly over the toilet... just in time!

Yes, those "old tricks," were new to him, and brought great satisfaction.

That jovial spirit naturally entered into most of his relationships. He brought joy to many, and seemed to have an affinity for when and where it was needed. Because of his love for Jesus, and obedience to Him, he also showed how to have an eternal relationship, to those who had been without. Their joy is now complete in the most important way.

"Jesus wept," but I am sure he also laughs!

dad