Skies are not cloudy all day

e.e. cummings: The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.

A few days ago I heard that my dad's mild heart attack in February was actually something much more serious than we expected. In fact, his artery is 80% clogged and he needs surgery, fast. Thankfully, he is being looked after promptly and already has an appointment to meet with his surgeon.

I grew up in a house that was always full of laughter. My dad was one of those guys that liked to sneak up on my mom and tickle her from behind. (Guys just love the soapy-handed vulnerable woman who won't fight back with a thin wet wine glass.) He also liked to sing home, home on the range, where the deer and the antelope play. He taught me to have fun, help out, try my best, and above anything else, he taught me to be positive in life. Basic stuff, I admit.

But in times like these, when it is so easy to despair, I find I have a tendency to not worry. I keep at it, do what needs to be done, focus on what is important, and have a few laughs as well. And I sing. And tell everyone that things will be just fine. Then perhaps add a few more notes of laughter. In fact, I often find I laugh more the crazier life gets - a ying and a yang thing. "Ha ha ha, this is nuts, ha ha ha, what a day, wheee ha."

I believe positive thought is more powerful than negative thought. So for you Dad, today I am moving about doing the basic stuff. Having a few laughs and sending my energy back to you, home, home on the range, where seldom is heard, a discouraging word, and the skies are not cloudy all day.