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Happy Birthday to the Constitution and to Me!

By Theresa Camoriano

September 17^th is Constitution Day and my birthday, so maybe that’s why I am such a pain in the neck when it comes to thinking that we should stick to the plain language of the Constitution and the rule of law.  Or maybe it is because I know that making up the rules (the law) as you go along might get you the outcome you want in the short term, but it causes real problems down the road.

I recently had a conversation with a very nice person who said, “Nobody should be allowed to have that much money!”  I have heard various versions of that statement many times before, but I still don’t have a good, quick response.  My husband says the answer should be, “In that case, I’d like to be Nobody!”  I wish there were a good way for me to let the speaker see what a destructive idea she has – how it results in totalitarianism, poverty, and tremendous suffering – but I still don’t know how to get there.  Not wanting to spoil a pleasant evening, I just ignored the statement and moved on to another subject, which was not the best way to handle it.  Maybe I’ll do better next time.

After living for more than half a century (this birthday is #53), I have discovered that it is often the little things that we think are insignificant that make the biggest difference in our lives. 

*For example, I have learned to really appreciate a good, hot shower in the morning.  What a wonderful start to the day! 

*I also have learned that the highest quality product is not always the most functional.  For example, I bought some of those expensive, plush, thick towels and have decided that I prefer the cheaper, thinner ones.  The thick ones take forever to dry, and they quickly fill up the washing machine, whereas the thinner towels dry quickly and are very easy to wash.  Both types perform the job of drying off after a shower just fine.  So, from now on, I am going with the cheaper towels. 

*I have learned that a sense of humor is a wonderful gift that helps you enjoy life and helps you live longer.  Like my Uncle John, when he was living with us in his last days, said about some of the people sending him bills – “What are they going to do?  Dig me up?”

*And, of course, I have learned to greatly appreciate friends and family and a nice hug – especially one of Andrea’s bear hugs.

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