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The Pursuit of Happiness
by Eddy Robey

                                  

All Americans are entitled to the pursuit of happiness. Of course, there is
always some killjoy who reminds us that we are not entitled to be happy, only
to pursue that goal.

These are usually the same folks who discuss reality in negative terms.
Whenever someone expresses hope, they say, "Get real." The point being that
good fortune is unlikely. If something bad occurs, they are only too glad to
inform you that, "That is reality."

Last year, about this time, I saw bunches of Sunflowers being sold in the
subway, and they seemed to smile. I was about to go up the stairs after a
walk through an odoriferous tunnel. What was reality? Was it the tunnel, or
the patch of sky I could see when looking up? Was it the jostling, or the
giggle of a child on the train? Those Sunflowers offered their own version of
reality, because I had the opportunity of choosing to look at them or the
graffiti.

The truth is that there are good and bad things everywhere. What we see is
not a matter of reality, but volition.

In 1776, Americans cooperated in gaining freedom for all. I would like to
suggest that in 2002, we get together and help each other catch some of that
happiness we are all allowed to pursue. Perhaps you can invite someone to
share your picnic, or help someone carry a heavy basket. It might be nice to
let a child stand in front of you at the parade.

Remember first grade? Take a step back in time, and pretend to be a Sunflower.


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Eddy Robey M.A.
Author of It's Not Just Chicken Soup. . Like all
Jewish mothers, I feed everyone in sight, and have been at work in the
kitchen for over 20 years. Correspondence should be addressed to
<eddyrobey@aol.com> and will be read as soon as the dishes are done. You can
find many of my recipes online at the Gantseh Megillah . Please feel free
to forward this to anyone you think would enjoy it, as long as you include my
copyright.


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