Some Thoughts on Happiness

The following is an email sent by Shani to her children two years ago, prior to a surgery that she knew was life-threatening. 

Just a happy mothers day note from dear old mom.( although i decided not to send on mothers day)

I am awed by watching the miraculous order of G-ds nature unfolding in my backyard- u can see thru out nature , a mothers job is to give her child wings ,teach them to fly and watch them soar.Each year I watch the swans- hatch ugly ducklings- teach them to hunt 4 food and when strong enough teach them to fly. Then they turn into beautiful swans and fly off to start their own lives (so it seems) .

Fortunately children may leave the nest-- but dont always leave the neighborhood.- and I have really had the zichus to watch u all SOAR. I just have a few words of motherly advice , as you soar--- . (Its not torah me sinai-- -that your father and rabbiem have taught u well and i in turn have learned much from u.-- but) just some thoughts on happiness.

Enjoy and cherish every day- dont worry so much about 2morrow - on what might or might not happen- Do the best u can - but-- if you focus your worry on 2morrow - it makes u lose today AND 2morrow-- If something bad is going to happen it will happen u wont b able to deny it- at least u have 2day and so many wonderful things happen in TODAY

If something bad or unexpected happens You will deal with it - you r stronger then u think and maybe, some good will even come from it. Only G-d knows what lies ahead, whats just around the corner.

WE CANNOT WRITE THE SCRIPT We dont even always know what is good or bad sometimes its a matter of a persons perspective on life--- and whats truly important to them -one can only strive for the Best Torah Life

Always thank G-d for all the good that u have (and 4 the bad that u dont have) Nothing is a given --Appreciate it all - but try not to judge people

who don't seem to-- u NEVER really know what their true circumstances are- BUT-- do try to treat them as u would like them to treat u- (G-d created all of us)

And of course--try to do things with a smile- --nobody likes a grump ----your words of wisdom (and even help and criticism) are better accepted if given with a smile.

OK enough preaching--- I could keep going - but as u realize thats not the point of this message- (i can take lessons from u all on these topics) As I hope u realize the point of this all is to simply say----- I thank G-d every day that I am truly blessed with happiness(to b cliche- Yiddeshe Nachas)- - ---- Bumps in the road are just that and make me appreciate what i have more. I am sorry for how they affect u and ur father. My wings may b clipped 4 a short time but G-D willing all will b well (even better ---i hope and pray---- no pain no gain as they say)

So shut off this computer and go teach my grandchildren to Fly........ with G-ds help i will b there very soon to help love the tough old bird