Respect for Dangerfield

Years ago, when I was in grief over a sudden death in my family, I saw Rodney Dangerfield after midnight on Johnny Carson’s show.

I hadn’t eaten or slept for days, and I was in no mood to laugh. Still, I got the instant giggles when Rodney said, “Last night, my wife told me to take out the garbage. I told her, ‘You cooked it. You take it out.’ ”

Twenty minutes later, I was in the kitchen wolfing down raisin toast and scrambled eggs. Afterward, I slept.

Rodney was there when I needed him. He’ll always have my gratitude -- and my respect.

Dan Wightman

Oakland