The happiness maker

This past Valentine's day Linda gave me two tickets for a show at our Kravis Center.  We went to see it last night. And what a show it was!

In the early 1950's my favorite show was a show about some sailors on a small boat who were always in some kind of trouble.  I was in the Navy at the time which made it even better for me.  I would watch it and laugh and laugh and laugh.  Other sailors watched it with me and we all laughed together.  Why, you ask?  Well it was basically because of a short funny Ensign who was forever and always saying the unexpected and hilariously funny lines.  It was a sad day when it was announced that the show would no longer be on. 

But the Ensign lived on.  He was later to show up in another show where he continued to come up with words and phrases at odd times that seemed to always apply but still made everyone laugh.  It was often times when he would say things that were probably not in the script at all at which time the others in the show would laugh in spite of themselves.  I read about this fine entertainer and found out that he was active in many activities that helped children.  Maybe children of all ages!  He is also a family man. I took a good look at why I liked this man so much.  He was funny, yes.  He was talented., yes.  But there was something else.  I think that I zoomed in on what his real talent was and still is.  He is sincere.  In all of the times I have seen him perform I have never heard a harsh word out of his mouth.  All of his humor is clean and family style.  A natural humor that all of us ought to carry in our hearts. 

Last night as I was enjoying the show my thoughts went briefly back to my younger days.  I remember telling my family that all I wanted to do with my life was to make other people happy by making them laugh.  I sincerely wanted to be a stand up comedian.  I even took classes.  I would practice what I wanted to say at any occasion.  I was really into it all except that I had one small problem.  I wasn't funny.  So I got a paper route. 

So maybe that is why I have such a deep regard for that wonderful entertainer who does so much for all of us while keeping it all clean and worth while.

I sincerely wish that we had more decent entertainers like my friend (who doesn't even know me)  Tim Conway!

The thoughtful one

Every once in a while I hear a story that I think everybody aught to hear. And such is the story told by Oscar. (another made up name) I will tell you a little bit about Oscar but I will change some of it to protect the guilty.  And besides if I do it that way I can even lie about things if I choose to do so.

Oscar is almost as old as I am but he is a whole lot smarter.  And better, as you will see if you keep reading.  He is retired but, as is the case with most of us who have done such a crazy thing, he was bored.  So he started to do volunteer work.  His favorite is taking food, that has been prepared by other volunteers, to St. George's Kitchen.  I went with him a couple of times and cannot believe the good that happens there. Every day they feed many people, most of whom are homeless.  When you go there, even if you do just a little bit of work, you leave with a lump in your heart.  You feel like you have given a gift to God.  And instead of expecting God to say thank you you want to thank Him for the opportunity. 

But that is just part of the story.

Oscar decided that he would get a job somewhere to supplement his meager income.  So he got one at a large grocery store working as a bag boy.  Not too bad for a retired engineer, wouldn't you say?  He loves the job because he gets to talk to all the customers while he gives them smiles and wishes of good will.  He will tell you that he gets a lot more than he gives.  I know I am proud of him.

The policy of the store where he works does not allow tips.  He told me that when he helps people with their carts they more often than not offer him a tip.  He politely tells them that that is not acceptable at that store.  But sometimes they will insist.  So does he take it?  Yes he does, but not before telling them that he does not plan to keep it for himself, but that he is going to donate it to St George's Kitchen. If they ask he then explains to them just how wonderful St. George's Kitchen is and what they do for needy people.  Often they will reach into their wallets and add to the tip because they want to be a part.

Each person who does that leaves with a deep feeling that he or she has made our world a little bit better in which to live.  And from where I stand it makes them all a little bit better also.  Love your neighbor!  In true action.  That is why I am proud to call Oscar my friend.  Now I have three.

See you soon!  Volunteer somewhere, won't you?  Let's all work together to make this a better world to live in.