The Admiral

As I sit here, feeling rather mellow from a couple of excellent martinis, the thought occurs to me, I almost wish I believed in a god so that I could thank it for my life long good fortune. I have indeed been a most fortunate individual. Not the least of my good fortune, I was born, 76 years ago, with a fully functioning onboard multi mhz bullshit detector. Of course, we didn't know what mhz were then, as a matter of fact, I don't know now. But I believe in them. My poor dear Mother insisted that I go to sunday school, so I did, But I can't recall that I ever took it seriously. She kept me at it clear through chatecisim(I'm not even going to bother to check the spelling) and confirmation, age 12. Shortly after, goodbye church. I told poor old Mom that that was it. I hurt her. Can't help it. We have to live our own lives.

The Admiral

abe smith

Bully for you, Admiral dear! As your contemporary (77 in jan 03), I share your feeling of gratitude for all-that (Where were *you* in 1932?); and indeed last night in the bathtub , I too regretted that there is NO-one to thank .... except all-those human beings, many now gone from me, who made me any human that I am. Guess I'll sit down beside my bowl of clamchowder , tangerine, & stein of tea royale that day (all I want /feel like eating); and Make A Long List. Whaddye say, Person? Cheers to you. Abe

Keith Russell

Greetings:

Why would anyone want 'something' to thank for good fortune? Do you feel that you 'owe' your good fortune to 'something', and thus you want to have a 'something' to thank for your 'luck', 'good fortune', happiness, health, success, or 'whatever'?

I suppose, if one thinks that one had nothing to do with one's 'luck', one might feel guilty about being 'lucky', or 'fortunate', or 'happy'--and one would want to attempt to earn that unearned 'fortune' by showing gratitude for it.

I have always felt that I knew the source of my good fortune. When my friends have 'been there for me', I thanked them--and returned the favour when I was able. When my parents have done favours for me, I thanked them--and tried to earn their love and respect.

And, when I have created my own happiness through my own actions, I don't feel that I should 'thank' anyone--or anything.

For me, 'luck' doesn't usually just 'happen'. Someone (or myself) makes it happen, and I try to thank them directly.

The rest simply is, and one need not thank the universe for being what it is.

Keith.

babelfish

Admiral and abe,

You wonderful mature people (role models), both of your posts have made me feel warm and tingly and not a little optimistic about my own future (I hope) as an old coot!

Hugs to you both, you old dears!

I thank God there are people in this world like you!

[ November 25, 2002: Message edited by: babelfish ]</p>

The Admiral

Thanks to all for the answers.

Abe,(Where were *you* in 1932?); I was right here in Racine growing up in the depression. Poor but happy. Right now I'm still here wishing I had a bowl of clam chowder. Can't get really good clam chowder around here.

Keith, I think you took me a little too seriously. Remember, I had had two martinis. Is there anything wrong with having an appreciation Of ones good fortune? Sure, I worked and to a large extent I made my own luck. Still, being in the right spot at the right time helped.

bablefish, Thanks for the hugs and the good wishes, and may the bird of paradise fly up your nose.

The Admiral