Back when I lived in a real house (instead of traveling around the country in my RV) I looked forward to sitting with a cup of coffee and the newspaper. Eventually I realized I was taking the paper for two reasons only: the letters to the editor and the comics.

After I got on the road and was no longer taking the paper I realized how much I missed the comics and discovered that you can subscribe to different comic services and get only your favorites delivered via email every single day.

Having them come in my email guarantees that I can always start my day with a laugh.

Or not.

You see, the comics are also a great place for social commentary. Ever notice how cartoon characters or the ventriloquist's dummy can get away with saying things that humans might not be able to?

For years I've enjoyed two comic strips because the characters have become like family to me. Those comics are For Better or For Worse and Funky Winkerbean.

I've watched these characters grow and change, live through life's many ups and downs and sometimes, die.

The current storyline in Funky Winkerbean revolves around a woman who is about to die from cancer.

I've watched her struggle with this disease and how she has handled it every step of the way. Recently she decided it was just all too much and made the choice to let go. I've choked back many tears as I've read that strip because of the very realness, the very humanness of the characters involved. Many of us have had to, unfortunately, watch family or beloved friends go through the very same things.

And luckily, in the comics, at those tearful moments, all I have to do is scroll a little further down to find a comic that makes me laugh.

It's no different in real life. It would be nice to think that if we just think positive thoughts all the time that life will be rosy and sweet and that we'll never face another challenge again.

Luckily, life isn't like that. Luckily? Yep! It's those challenges we face that make what comes next all the sweeter.

I'm a firm believer that there is always something to laugh about. Some good that always comes from tragedy.

So the next time you are faced with adversity, what can you find to laugh about? I guarantee that laughing will always make whatever you are facing easier to bear.