Happiness is...

What a day, a great day. My sister brought her children up to visit us: the Monona park, Vilas zoo, and Children's Museum on State Street. Such energy the older two have (3 and almost 6); kept us hopping all afternoon. Capped off by happy meals at McDonalds, and some romping in the playland. (It's ok, don't fret, you McDonalds hatahs. Their chicken and apple slices were supplemented with carrots and pepper slices, their mother -- a nurse practitioner -- brought along; it was a "special treat.") My sister was able to nurse them at the beginnings of life, and spends quality time on her family now. Not to be bragging, but keeping a family together, happy and healthy, in an active lifestyle is no small feat. She's a great sister, an even better mother, and deserves props for her work with her family. We had a magnet on our refrigerator growing up: "The family that prays together, stays together." Trite, you might say, but keeping a family together is no small task (think Ma Joad), and perhaps the greatest reward you can have, years down the line. I don't think that magnet is any prescription, btw, as surely there are non-spiritual families who are genuinely happy being and remaining with each other. Partners together, and parents with children. But you can bet my sister and her family will be in my prayers tonight.

Some folks seem to spend their lives searching for something genuine -- taking from a wide range of others who are more than happy to help -- and yet still wonder why their pale substitutes depress them, why the afterglow of contentment always seems out of reach. I'm surely not one to provide any answers, but I will say this -- the more time you spend dissing others just to win respect from your peer group, the more times ahead you'll look back and wonder why simple happiness and long-lasting relationships (other than living through your kids) continue to elude you. Again, just my observation, my 2cents on sale today for a penny ... aw hell, keep it free.