Pick-Me-Up

I'll be the first to admit that sometimes it seems life can give more than you (I) can handle. Even when the only problem of the day is that you didn't start your drier and are now left with a wet, mildewy ball. It can seem overwhelming at the time. So, just in case you're having one of those days, here are two things that just might make you happy.

1

We went strawberry picking about a month ago. Is there anything more wonderful than two kids, outside, picking strawberries, AND sharing? Beautiful.

2

How Did You Die?

Edmund Vance Cooke

Did you tackle that trouble that came your way

with a resolute heart and cheerful?

Or hide your face from the light of day

with a craven soul and fearful?

Oh, a trouble's a ton, or a trouble's an ounce,

or a trouble's what you make it.

And it isn't the fact that you're hurt that counts,

but only how did you take it?

You are beaten to earth? Well, well, what's that?

Come up with a smiling face.

It's nothing against you to fall down flat,

But to lie there-- that's a disgrace.

The harder you're thrown, why, the higher you bounce;

Be proud of your blackened eye!

It isn't the fact that you're licked that counts,

It's how did you fight-- and why?

And though you be done to death, what then?

If you battled the best you could,

If you played your part in the world of men,

Why, the Critic will call it good.

Death comes with a crawl, or comes with a pounce,

And whether he's slow or spry,

It isn't the fact that you're dead that counts,

But only how did you die?

That poem has been my favorite poem since 7th grade. I can label it favorite either because it's great and offers a lot to think about, or favorite because that is one of the few poems I can recite. Most likely the former. Hopefully the former. It's just so strong.