12/26/2021

MDF&P, JRB,

            Since neither the WP or the NYT mentioned you today, I indulged myself by reading Dave Barry (DMB)’s 2021 Year in Review & enjoyed several chuckles. Among the several threads that he returned to several times were “former WH dog, Major”, the space program, Tom Brady & China’s attribution of CV to bats. He worries that 2022 will be worse than 2021. I hold out hope that we will survive whatever comes our way with laughter & good cheer.

            Speaking of which, that is the ethos that the late Desmond Tutu (DMT) shared with the world. According to the NYT he was known for “punctuating his message with the wit and the chuckling that became his hallmark, inviting his audience into a jubilant bond of fellowship.” We need a guy like DMT in Myanmar to lead an effort similar to South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Committee. He believed “it was necessary to open the wound to cleanse it. In return for an honest accounting of past crimes, the committee offered amnesty.” The Burmese are known for their good humor. I am hopeful a monk will rise up & use his cheerful demeanor to pave a way to peace.

            I’m sorry to hear that you were disrespected by that guy who called the Santa Tracker when you were trying to have a jovial conversation. Laughing it off is the best way to handle it.

            My dad’s motto was to “keep smilin’.” I hope you can continue to do so.

            BYBS,