Happiness is not a warm gun.

I sometimes encounter ex-students.
It seems that I made a good positive impact on them.
They always thank me and tell me how I've inspired them.
Many times what they say truly touches my heart.
Sometimes they went on to further education in the biological sciences
and sometimes they've become teachers, professors, nurses, doctors
or other related health or science fields.

I've also edited a number of biology, genetics and microbiology text books
and have signed copies of those books with notes of thanks stating how
I improved their books,making them much better.

While all very nice, it was due in part to my job at a major university.
I'm sure many of the other professors had similar experiences.

But tonight I received something totally different.
Nine years ago, I was out in nature taking photos of wildlife in the Princeton, NJ area.
A fairly young lovely blonde gal walked up to me and stated that she had been watching me for some time, and that I seemed to be a very happy person.

I smiled and said something like "life is a terrific experience, much better than the alternative, why not be happy ?"
She then asked, if it would be OK to interview me. So, she asked me a bunch of questions
(most I have forgotten at this point) about what especially makes me happy, happier, and happiest.
At the end, she asked for my email address in case she thought of any other questions.
If I remember correctly, she did email me about a month later.
However, I have heard nothing else from her for about 9 years.

Moments ago, I got an email from her. She wrote a book based on her 'art of happiness'
interviews and got it published.
Apparently, my interview is included in that book.

I just emailed her back to congratulate her on her book.

One truly never knows what happiness the new day will bring.
Cherish it, while you can.