I was reminded, on the Fourth of July, of that day long ago — when my father was in his prime and was pretending to be Batman in a cape flying around the golf course he helped build on the Wooster College campus in the small, rural Ohio town where we lived at the time, while we awaited the fireworks display. Now Dad is 84 and his health is failing. I’m glad that he seems to have retained his playful attitude, and I know he won’t “give up the ghost” too easily.

But it did get me to thinking. I often joke about being old, but there comes a time in life when we have to accept the fact that our days are limited. That can be hard. Maybe you won’t get to see the extraordinary person your granddaughter grows up to be. Maybe you won’t get to see your daughter blessed with the love, strength and protection of a truly good man. I am very happy to say that there is one of those already lurking. So all is well.

I also remember my grandmother, who I used to call “Nan.” She was gloriously simple and happy and free, as were all of her siblings. I take comfort from that lesson for me as a child and now that I am old.

I think we should all aspire to live a simple life. I’m sure that a life without complications caused by worry, that doesn’t ever help, would be preferable. But how can I suddenly not worry, when it’s engrained in me?
I’ve found that when I exercise my body, I can relax, and when I chant or hum, and when I simply take a deep breath. And I have the benefit of my simple, happy ancestors who I can call in to rally around me.

I ask you, right now, to think of one person who is simply happy and then to emulate that person. Did I tell y’all that I did a word count to check my available space, and I came up with my grandmother’s address? She is with me now, and she is beaming. I can easily feel her joy and her love. It feels great!

So, take a deep breath, and look through your ancestors and your friends to find the special one or ones to model.

I will happily share my Nan or my Dad, if you like. Choose happiness!

Marcelle Hanemann is a reporter for The Daily News. You can email her at marcelle.hanemann@bogalusadailynews.com or call her at 985-732-2565, ext. 301.