| All Americans are entitled to the pursuit of happiness, and we
are blessed with an abundance of resources toward the attainment of that goal.
Unfortunately, July Fourth seems to rally the killjoys who are wont to remind us
that we are not entitled to be happy, only to pursue that goal.
These are usually the same folks who discuss American 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 ready to say,
"That is reality."
The truth is that there are good and bad things everywhere. What we see is a
matter of volition and this July, a particularly beautiful view of reality is to
be had from my living room sofa.
Last month, I had an operation which meant that any walking must be kept to a
minimum. I've been unable to take Wagsy the Chihuahua for his constitutional,
cook meals, or perform any of the other tasks which comprise my normal routine.
Being immobilized might have been a lonely and difficult situation, but it has
become a time to count blessings. Yesterday was a grand example of this.
The day began with an early visit from my neighbor Jeanette and her Joey, who is
Wagsy's best friend. We shared coffee and a good chat, whilst watching the two
pals wrestle and run many laps of "Doggie 400" around the room.
Midmorning brought the shy smile and sunny presence of Cathy, my nine-year-old
neighbor, who is on a very important mission. Three times a day, Cathy walks
Wagsy. This is her first-ever job, a responsibility she undertakes with both
gravity and love. It gives me such pleasure to see them together. It feels good
to be part of a memory in the making, for even when she is old as I, she will
remember her first employment and perhaps smile when telling some other child
about it.
Lunchtime was, literally, a dream come true. The previous day, I'd had a reverie
during siesta time, and in the course of our conversation had mentioned it to
Cathy. What had I been dreaming of? You will laugh, but the object of my
sleeping desire was a bowl of homemade chicken soup. The homemade part was the
most glamorous aspect of the vision, for my diet of late has been largely
pre-prepared.
You guessed it. She went home and told her mother, Claudia, a lady who makes my
building a nicer place to live. At noon the doorbell rang, and there was Claudia
carrying a pot of soup large enough for several meals. How do you thank someone
for making a dream into reality? I was truly overwhelmed with gratitude.
Afternoon held a couple of nice phone conversations, and a caring message from
Azita, a lady who lives around the corner. An evening check of my email yielded
a heartening note from Leslie, another neighbor who is a constant, gentle
presence in my life.
In 1776, Americans cooperated in gaining our precious rights. In 2006, neighbors
have been interacting to help me catch some of that happiness we are all allowed
to pursue. From where I sit on this couch, America is a wonderful neighborhood.
Note to killjoys: my little area has its share of urban blight. I see it, and
try to help whenever possible. Yes, we have those who are homeless, yet they
still benefit from a cheery good morning. Indeed, the gift of a neighborly smile
can be among the most welcome they receive. There are many aspects to America
today, two of which are good-will and caring. Those who see only flaws have half
a vision; open your eyes to its wonders and rejoice in "America the Beautiful",
whilst continuing your efforts to improve her.
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