"To be without some of the things you want is an indispensable part of happiness."
- Bertrand Russell (1872-1970), English philosopher
When I finished college, I recall feeling embarrassed about letting my Dad know what my starting salary would be at the place I'd decided to work. My embarrassment stemmed from the fact that I knew it was more than he, as our sole bread-winner, was making after working over 25 years.
Our family's lack of money didn't cause us to be less happy, but it did mean that my three brothers and I didn't get many of the trifles we wanted. At Christmas Santa provided, to some extent, the things we had asked for during the year, but we almost always got much less than we had requested.
I remember when I was eight years old wanting a baseball glove so badly I could taste it. I dreamed it would be under the tree Christmas morning, and felt sure it would, for I had let everyone know of my wishes. I had even written Mr. Claus a letter outlining my "needs," so when it didn't show up, I was devastated.
I guess Santa must have known that spring training didn't begin until March, however, for in his infinite wisdom, he had the glove delivered on my birthday in February. I was so proud of it that I took it to bed with me for months. As I sit here almost 60 years later, I still have fond memories of the happiness I felt at that time.
If we never have to wait for anything, never have dreams that are unfulfilled, and never have to make any sacrifices for something we really want, I think it means less to us when we get it. At least it seems that way to me. I look around at all the "things" I've been able to buy as I've gotten older, and I swear, if there's anything here that gives me more pleasure than getting that baseball glove did, I don't see it.
2 comments:
What a wonderful commentary telling how a baseball glove can fulfill your dreams! So many things you write about could have come right out of my memories:)
Do you still have the glove? Sounds like my sons Johnny Bench red catchers mitt and he still has it at 40.... wonder what 20 more years will do to it. remember when the Reds used red gloves? He was a catcher just like Johnny all through school and after he graduated he still played. This summer was probably the first year he didn't. We have a big family and usually couldn't get the kids too many special things either. I understand your story.
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