WHEN LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE

Because laughter is the best medicine in the world and because we need a little chuckle every now and then, especially now, here is a little fun story …

Wayside Chapel — Not the “W.C.” madam was hoping for!

England was shivering under a cold wet blanket of slush and it was time for our heroine, a kind-hearted elderly lady, to take an Easter holiday. She had decided on Switzerland for her vacation and she wrote to a small Bavarian Inn for a reservation.

In her letter, she requests that her room be close to a “W.C.”

Now in England years ago, a bathroom or toilet was always referred to as a “W.C.”

When he received the request for a room near the W.C., the Innkeeper was quite puzzled. He didn’t understand the initials. So he took his problem to the parish priest for interpretation. After some thought, the priest came up with an exclamation. “Of course! The W.C. refers to our famous Wayside Chapel.”

Pleased with the answer, the innkeeper hastened to reply.

Dear madam, It is with great pleasure that I am able to inform you that we have a lovely room reserved for your visit. And we have a picturesque W.C. to attend to your devotions. It is located only two kilometres from the Inn and is set in a beautiful grove of pine trees, which gives an air of tranquillity to the visitor.

We will be most happy to arrange some transportation for you during your stay with us.

It may surprise you to know that our W.C. holds more than 200 people at one sitting! For the convenience of tourists, it is open Thursdays as well as Saturdays. But it is a good idea to go as early as possible to get a good seat, as sometimes, standing room only is available!

On Sundays people often take picnic lunches and make a day of it.

Others take a bus, or horse-pulled sleigh ride and usually arrive, just in time.

I would suggest, Madam, that you arrange to go on a Thursday evening, when there is organ accompaniment. Although the W.C. dates back to the 12th century, the acoustics are excellent! And even the most delicate sounds can be heard.

It may also interest you to know that our daughter met her future husband in the W.C. They were later married there.

We are also very proud of our unusual bell which was donated by a wealthy visitor. It rings every time someone makes a large offering!

Unfortunately, my wife has a rather delicate health condition and is not able to attend regularly. As a matter of fact, t’s been almost a year since she last went to the W.C. Naturally it pains her very much as you can well imagine.

In conclusion, madam, we hope your stay with us will be most happy. Just let me know if you wish a special seat reserved for you for the Easter season at the W.C. There is a small service charge but it will ensure you of an upholstered seat.

We also suggest that you bring your camera with colour film as the evening candle lighting ceremony is very colourful. It’s a beautiful sight to see the light playing on the fountains!

Some come with cheer! Some come with charity! But all leave satisfied!...

Your obedient servant, the Innkeeper…

I love it! I broadcast this on Joy’s Journal on Frosty’s show at 7:15 a.m. on January 2, 1989! What a challenge not to giggle on-air!

But it’s perfect for this time of crisis and concern, doom and gloom … Stay safe everyone!

Joy!