Getting along with happy thoughts

It's time for all of us to think happy thoughts. Thoughts that make you smile even if some of the things you're thinking about aren't physically right in front of you. Here are some of mine.

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I always get a smile on my face thinking of the beach. It's not that I enjoy swimming that much. I just love walking on the water's edge or sitting and reading. It has to be the most peaceful time for me.

My grandchildren are the loves of my life. They have taken care of me like no one else, other than my son, this past year. I was hesitant about even decorating the house for Christmas, but they insisted and put the tree up themselves. Of course, it took a while to get it straightened out but they got it. They are over here every Sunday. They call and always seem to do so when I'm in a slump. I don't know what I would do without them, especially now that Tommy is working out of state.

My dog, Sandy, can always make me smile. She's a 65-pound mutt. Well, that's what Grayson Brown says, but I still think she's a lab. This dog hops outside through the yard just like a deer. Never seen anything like it in my life. She's sweet, very obviously my dog and thinks everybody that comes through our door is here to play with her.

I love to see families together doing fun things. Some people do not appreciate a couple with two or three kids sitting next to them at a restaurant. I think it's great because these young children will remember times like that. By the way, it makes me feel just as good seeing a father with his kids, a mother with her kids and, especially, a grandparent with his or her grandchildren. There's not enough love in the world today. We should at least let it overflow in our own homes.

My son, Tommy, will always be my pride and joy. He calls often to see how I'm doing, and I know that, even when he's out of town, he would do anything possible to help me through a rough time. He can give a pretty good lecture when I need it. He never hangs up the phone without saying, "I love you, Mom."

He sends me flowers. He arranged to have his girlfriend, Monique, move in with me so I wouldn't be alone. This is something that has worked out extremely well for me.

I smile a lot when I talk to friends. About anything. Our lives. Our families. When we can get together for dinner. Go to a movie. Go shopping. Go on a road trip.

Now, that last one usually means a bit of disagreement. Nobody seems to trust me enough to drive anywhere. Don't know why. I've only had three accidents the past five years, one with my house, one with a young man (which was totally my fault) and one with a pole at the Regal Cinemas. You know, little things like that.

Guess what I'm trying to get across is we should all be happy. You cannot live your life in a shell. You cannot live your life crying all the time. And you especially cannot live your life without friends and family.

Pat Fickle is a Martinez resident.