I’m perched in the swing watching the squirrels and songbirds, holding a cup of hot coffee in a turkey mug. The birds are enjoying apple peelings, the squirrrels are eating corn and peanuts in the shell. The sky is cerulean blue, all clear but for one big thin cloud, sketched by Father Sky, that looks like a big angel with outspread wings. My grandchildren just left for Peachtree City with a wave, a hollered “I love you, Patty,” and a few honks of their new car’s horn. Life has been glorious the last two days. I’m in a Thanksgiving food and happy grandmother coma. Don’t think life can be any better than this!

We had our McMurray Thanksgiving dinner last night. Oldest sister-in-law had beautiful table settings and we had a delicious dinner. The children ran around outside and played and laughed, happy to be with their cousins. They youngest baby, a little beauty, was passed around to different loving arms. I hope our children keep our family traditions alive. All the young women and their husbands are good cooks. They pick on the ones who bring rolls and tea, good naturedly, but those things are just as important as the meat and casseroles. The rolls are the main course on the children’s plates!

“Happiness shared is happiness doubled.” — Swedish Proverb

Got up early this morning and fixed a big breakfast — bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs, melted cheese, grits, fried apples, biscuits, and forgot to cook the hash browns. Oldest brother came over to have breakfast with us so our dining room table was full. Chief used to love these country breakfasts on the mornings after the holidays. He’d always ask our oldest grandson to bring him a cup of coffee and as a little fella he would do his best to fetch the hot coffee. After Chief died Alexander said, “Granddaddy won’t be asking me to bring him a cup of coffee anymore.” When I interviewed with Chief for a job with Russell’s publications he asked me if I drank coffee. When I said no he said I don’t think I can work with someone who doesn’t drink coffee. Well, he did and he married her, too!

I’ve been thinking how little things make me so happy — a hug from a grandchild, a beautiful songbird, telephone calls from friends, loving looks from my oldest son to his wife, Blue Bell butter pecan ice cream, wind chime symphonies, laughter, looking through a box of family photos, putting glass balls and bird ornaments on the Christmas tree, seeing the beautiful smile on my nephew Nate’s face, my oldest grandson holding his mellophone and marching down the football field at half time, my family gathered around a holiday dinner table, my youngest son and his Shady Oaks remarks.

“Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.” — Omar Khayyam

I think I’m happiest spending time with family and friends. It’s not financial wealth or material possessions that bring us happiness. These things make life easier but don’t warm our hearts. Happiness is a choice. Research says you need three basic things for a happy life: someone to love (I think that can sometimes be a pet), something to do, and something to look forward to. I’ve an abundance of family love. Chief is gone, but my love for him still warms my heart through memories. I think the “something to do” is a purpose to the day, and we all look forward to happy events that will transpire in the future.

I would add we need a relationship with God to help us truly lead a happy and content life. God gives us peace and prayers give us comfort. I think happiness is only temporary and without faith we would drown in the trials of life. Happiness is not a destination you chase, it’s something you embrace through the choices you make. We experience happiness at different times in our lives. True happiness comes when we serve God and give of ourselves to others.

Happiness is in the every day small things that put a smile on our face, little blessings that bring sunshine in our lives on cloudy days, the love and support of those who love us.

Happiness is here and now. It’s in the gratitude you feel for what you have. It’s in the peace that invades your heart when you know God’s love.

“Happiness is not a feeling, happiness is not an emotion, happiness is a decision that each of us make every single day when we wake up.” — Chad E. Foster