An Ode to Joy

I was the second youngest cousin in a very large family based in Virginia. I lived in Michigan with my parents as a child. I write this as a memory of a 12 year old boy.

My family would travel to Virginia for Christmas, and certain other holidays to a farm outside of the District of Columbia.

My grandfather was a politic and financier. Most mornings when I was around, he would wake up and play Beethoven: Symphony No 9. ‘Ode to Joy. This seemed to be his favorite tune.

Joy

Spending time in nature; swimming in lakes, avoiding snapping turtles, snakes, and wasps brought me tremendous joy. Most importantly, a sense of self-confidence. A realization that in nature you have to defend yourself and make choices to protect yourself. It shaped my attitude. It taught me how to be joyful, tough, and independent.

The size of spirit that my grandparent’s possessed is unrepeatable. It was grand, but still modest and kind. It was truly a thing of beauty that changed the way I have approached life.

Optimism – Finance – Democracy

The stock market can be unpredictable, but things work out if you can be patient and resolved. I believe in this country and continue to believe in the power and morality of pure democracy. Although optimism alone is not a replacement for research and planning, cynicism and negativity will find you in a ditch. Joy will take you everywhere.

On this Friday I wish for you to be grateful for the wealth and freedom that we often take for granted.

I wish you Joy. I wish for you the abillity to be empathetic to those you may not understand. I wish for you the abillity to be sympathetic for those less fortunate than you. I wish you peace. I wish for you wealth, health, and love that brings you joy.

An Ode to Joy

-Zac