of all the wine clubs...

never has one simple gesture caused so much screaming and wetting of pants.
i work. i learn. i sleep... occasionally. this is how my life behaves.
for months i have adorned hospital hallways with a furtive smile to all who may pass, regardless of one's inner emotions, we must always show the sick how happily we serve them. i take issue with this rule daily, though my conscience tsk's me for this, yesterday my deep down overruled my higher up. yesterday all hell broke loose.

i will dispense with the usual adolescent pity pot and jump straight to the point.
in short:

i saw a man of some great illness, old and worn and drained of what once must have been quite the vibrant youth. i did not smile. he did. i return his gesture with a simple wave. five words he said to me, "smile, it's a beautiful day". and i did. and i am.

if this man, grim, dying, being robbed of what is his, life and vitality, can find a reason as simple as a sunny atmospheric nuance to allow one's most primal expression of joy to spread from ear to ear... then who am i to pity myself for being overworked and tired? as i am youthful and vibrant enough to handle this... who am i to think i have it so badly?

i vote we all have a popsicle and find a reason to smile, right here, right now, if not for ourselves, then for the man now of no illness whatsoever-

john rajeski, 1927-2008.