Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Pursuing Happiness

Hi there. It’s nice to be back in the paper as a writer instead of one running for office.

If you’re wondering where I’ve been then my 512 vote deficit makes more sense than ever.

In May I told you I was taking a break from writing to chase another dream. For some time I have wanted to throw my hat into the ring for elected office. The hat didn’t fit and I lost. But as my brother Dan reminded me, I gained a lot. One of those things is an almost endless supply of stories. So watch this space for complete details.

This desire to run for office is/was (I’m not sure yet) part of my pursuit of happiness. It’s not that I am unhappy, or that I haven’t found happiness. My wife, Rhonda, says it’s because I am not content. I disagree. For me being content means learning, growing and experiencing new things. Life offers so many opportunities, so many choices, that to find what you are looking for means you may have to take a road less traveled from time to time.

When I was in college I was involved in student government. I liked that experience so much that I wanted to do something similar after I graduated. But as timing is everything, I chose to wait. First came love, then came marriage, then came two babies in a baby carriage(s). It occurred to me sometime during this period that I had certain responsibilities that must be fulfilled: I was a young husband, Dad to two children and the provider. Plus, I was at peace, so I decided to wait. Thirty years can fly by pretty fast.

While I waited I discovered more pressing matters that needed my attention. I changed diapers (three times), gave baths, tucked my kids in at night, read bedtime stories, made up stories, played make-believe, went to the library, went to the zoo, played games, camped, went to plays, recitals, school sports, laughed, wrestled, watched kids shows, swam, had picnics and bonfires, celebrated twenty-seven years of marriage, tended to the needs of parents as they aged, and watched my kids grow up.
Some things are worth waiting around for.

So now I am faced with a dream that has been dashed. I have gone through the five stages of losing an election:

Denial. “Now let’s just wait until all the votes have been counted.”

Anger. “Fine, I didn’t want it anyway.”

Bargaining. “Perhaps there has been some mistake, maybe if I ask for a recount.”

Depression. “I’ll be in my room covered with heavy blankets.”

Acceptance. “Fine, I didn’t want it anyway.”

When I was out campaigning people would answer the door with a variety of greetings. “Dad, it’s a politician.” (politician? I hate that word.) “Tell him I also I like to write,” I would yell through the screen door. One time a young woman answered the door, “Make it quick. I’m giving my baby a bath.” “Run,” I said as I threw a brochure at her (like I need that on my conscience). And the one that always threw me off my game, “What do you need?” “Umm, I just wanted to introduce myself,” I said. “I really don’t need anything.”

Mick Jagger and Keith Richards wrote:

You can't always get what you want.
But if you try sometimes you might find
you get what you need.

In losing this election I may find that although I didn’t get what I want, I got what I need. I lost by 512 votes. But I’m happy writing 600 words.