EDDY'S PAGE
by Eddy Robey M.A.

In May, I went on a dream vacation: a week each in Florence, Paris, and London. Yes, it was truly grand, everything anyone could want. As you might imagine, before leaving, I was bubbling over, sharing my happy plans with anyone who would listen.

My news elicited a peculiar, but almost universal response. Most people made jokes about the French being rude. I was surprised, having been to France before, although never to Paris, and hoped there would be no trouble. Honestly, I was buffaloed as why anyone would want to tell me something negative, when I was obviously so glad.

Well, I arrived in Paris, and the courteous friendliness was delightful. Everywhere I went, the Parisians were helpful and kind, going out of their way for a stranger who did not even speak their language. I know better than to think that a foreigner who doesn't speak English would have had such a congenial experience in an American city.

This was not the first time I had experienced the phenomenon of people who aren't very aware of a situation saying something negative in order to sound knowing, puffing themselves up at the expense of others. These folks often describe themselves as having a dry sense of humor, which translates that they are able to say something sarcastic or even sardonic about most things.

I never thought they were amusing, or desirable as company. The world has many more good things than bad, and it is much more pleasant to be with those who can share a smile.

Yes, I know that there are also deplorable happenings, and it behooves us to do what we can to change them. Give charity, do volunteer work, help whenever you can: but don't pretend that kvetching ever accomplished a thing.

Too often, when people say that we must deal with the real world, they mean only the ugly part. Reality is that G-d's creation is full of love between people, wondrous landscapes, joyous music. The bad is shocking, because there is less of it.

The news about Paris is that it is a lovely city, filled with material treasures, and those of the spirit. Of course, there are some not so nice things there, as anywhere. However, when I went the flowers were blooming, and sunlight glistened on the Seine. I saw a puppet show in Ste. Germaine, listened to a jazz concert under the trees, and went to a museum filled with nothing but pretty dolls.

Everyone was good to me. I am so thankful that my nay saying acquaintances were wrong.