This is an article from a newsletter that I published in the 1970’s in San Jose, CA.
Every day is a new day. Every moment is precious. We only get one life (presumably) and only one chance (presumably) so why must we be so miserable—I’m presuming again. We are miserable because we have so much help. Take the other morning. It was one of those days that I bounced out of bed awakened by the bright rays of sunlight filtering into the room. I looked outside, it was a glorious sight—the flowers all in bloom, trees budding, clear blue sky, birds chirping. I showered, shaved, had a cup of coffee, got dressed, kissed Kathy and the children goodbye, picked up my brief case and hopped in the car. I was feeling very good about life, ready to tackle any obstacles or problems that the day might hold. I decided to turn on the radio. Great it was one of my favorite songs. This day was destined for greatness. The disc jockey reinforced my optimism saying “A good good morning to you all—it’s going to be a beautiful day!!!”. He couldn’t have hit the nail more directly on the head.
At that moment the news came on…The newsman said, “Good Morning!! Hope your day is a special one!!” (I’m thinking today is the first day of the rest of my life—I am so happy.) The newsman goes on to say that—there was a two-car head on collision on Blood Alley where 4 occupants were fatally injured two more are on the critical list not expected to survive. At a bank robbery and shoot out two bank guards were shot and an innocent bystander was taken to Good Sam with a severe head laceration. There is still no suspect in yesterday’s kidnap, rape and murder of 2 eleven year old San Jose girls…A fire last night destroyed 2 residences and left both families homeless and destitute…An elderly couple was evicted from their apartment today because they couldn’t pay the new higher rent since they must survive on $273.00 per month from Social Security…The silver market crashes with over 33% drop in prices since yesterday…Inflation continues at unprecedented rates…a major bank just raised the prime interest rate to 19.5%…the President announced a new program that would increase the cost of all gasoline by 10 cents a gallon…Many companies are closing plants all over the U.S…The average cost of a home it was reported today has topped $100,000 and mortgage rates have reached record highs of 17%…Today is the 155th day of captivity for the 50 Americans being held hostage in Iran…There doesn’t seem to be any break in the hostage situation in Bolivia…And now a word from our sponsor.
I’m thinking…Thank God for the sponsor. I need a break, how much more of this news can I take. This whole thing is getting me very upset. Now I can’t just enjoy the ride. Darn it I just missed another light—I’ll never get to work at this rate…The other drivers are like a bunch of maniacs…I’m taking my life in my hands every time I get in the car. These other drivers are trying to kill me!!! It’s a zoo!!!
…And now for more news… (I am beginning to believe that no news is good news.) The newsman says, “and now for some good news… (I listen attentively)… The jury today brought in the death penalty for Mortimer Snerd who was found guilty of killing and maiming 57 coeds in Detroit and burying them under his house… (this is good news?)… Today we are celebrating the first anniversary of the 3-mile island disaster… (this is good news?)… The Surgeon General has found that laboratory rats may cause cancer in humans… (I give up!!!) Anything after this news report has to be anti-climactic.
I get to work and can’t find a parking space…the copy machine isn’t working…none of my pens are working…we’re out of stamps, my first appointment cancelled because they heard the same news broadcast that I did. We just lost a loan commitment because of higher interest rates and now the buyer can’t qualify. I’m beginning to wonder if I made the right decision by being born.
I stood back for a moment… spilled coffee on my shirt and said, “Hey nothing has changed… look on the bright side… things could be worse… The Good News is that life is life—it’s all we’ve got—we are resilient, we are survivors, we love, we care… GOOD MORNING!!!! IT IS GOING TO BE A BEEEE-U-TI-FUL Day!!!! (And you know what… It was.)
