Happiness is in present

Eight years ago our younger granddaughter and our youngest grandson came to visit us in Hollywood (Florida) during school break. They loved warmth of the sun and the ocean, building sand castles, playing soccer and volleyball on the beach, playing ping-pong in a game room.

Once our granddaughter asked my wife: “Grandma, why don’t you buy an apartment here?”

My wife answered: “We’d like to do it! But we don’t have money for it.”

“Don’t worry, Grandma! After I finish school and college I’ll buy an apartment for you. ”

We were very happy! I did not even buy a lottery ticket after my wife told me about the promise.

Next day my wife asked our 4 years old grandson: “Dear, your sister promised to buy us an apartment here after she starts working. However, she is a girl. She can meet a nice guy and marry him. Then they might need to buy an apartment or a house for their family and she will be unable to keep her promise.

You are a man. Would you be willing to buy an apartment for us when you grow up?”

“Sure. I love you very much and I’ll visit you often in your new apartment”.

A couple of minutes passed. I could see that our grandson was intensely thinking about something.

Then he said: “Grandma, first I have to go to school. It’ll take 12 years. Then I have to go to college for 4 years. Then I’ll start working and will save money to buy you an apartment. But I think you’ll be dead by that time.”

I heard that simple math and I understood that we should continue to buy lottery tickets.

We also decided that we would like to celebrate our youngest grandson’s wedding.

I also remembered how many dear relatives and friends we already lost.

My friend Yuri passed away when he was only 41 years old.

We never know how long we will live.

We must value every minute of our lives.

We must remember that happiness is in present!

Be happy, my friends!

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