Friday, November 7, 2008

The Happiest Moment In My Life …

Over the past few days (since Election Day), I have heard this expression all over the News and from many of my friends. “It was the happiest moment in my life”! I too have to admit that no matter what my political belief might be, no matter whether I am a Democrat, Republican, Independent, etc. That at 11pm eastern standard time on election night, when Barack Obama, was declared the winner and the 44th President elect of the United States of America a “certain feeling” came over me. I was proud to see that America was able to look beyond and be able to judge “by the content of ones character …”, for me it was an emotional moment. I could understand the feeling of so many Americans who were filled with such pride and a feeling of accomplishment and a kind of completion of centuries of hardships and battles. So many of them, saying that this is, “The Happiest Moment of Their Lives”.

I began to think about that, what was the happiest moment in my life? The truth, is there is something wrong with me but I cannot pick just one. It changes, some even overlap others …for example.

I would say the first happiest moment in my life is probably one I do not remember. That would be the day I was born and the moment the doctor smacked my “Butt” and I began to cry. I took my first breath and wow even though I was crying I was thrilled to be alive. This was a happy moment!

The next happiest moment of my life came when I was 16 years old (just before my 17th birthday), I came home from school and my Mom was holding the mail in her hand (of course it was opened, there was no privacy under her roof), there it was, I passed my road test and I got my drivers license. I was so excited that I yelled out something like, “Oh sh_t”! The one and only time my Mom ever heard me say any off words! She was sure to remark about it later that day!

Okay going on through my life I would have to say the next happiest moment in my life was the moment that my Madelaine said, “yes, we should get married”! I was driving my car at the time and I had to stop it. I got out and I literally danced around outside in joy! This is one of those moments that have not stopped giving. One happiness has led to another!

For example, the next happiest moment in my life is when my wife broke the news to me that I was going to be a “Daddy”. Me, a father, could you imagine that. Then ….

My next happiest moment is …you guessed it, the moment my son was born. I held this little life in my arms, part of me, I was responsible for him and it was all my pleasure. The joy was overwhelming, my emotions, were uncontrollable. This was the beginning of a lifelong love festival that to this day (31 years later) has not stopped. I am sure at times if my son had his way he would say “Da, back off a bit”! I am so bad, I smother him sometimes, I know. His whole life brought me so many happy days and then approximately 27 years after his birth …

BOOM! Another happy moment for me!

The birth of my Lil Ga Ga (my grandson). I do not know if it is that I am older and I appreciate things more but the day he was born was thrilling. Then the first day I saw him and now every single time I see him is my happiest moment. I just saw him dressed in a pair of “little devil” pajamas and Oh my goodness. All I could say is, if the “Devil” were so cute, the world would be a much better place.

My grandson brings me such joy and I am so happy that I have had this opportunity to be in the world this very moment.

So, I wish the current President Elect all the best of luck and I hope he has all of our best wishes and prayers. Whoever would have won would have had a tough job ahead of them. There are rough days ahead and President Barack will need all our support right now.

As for me, I am grateful for the elections, it has given me an opportunity to take a look at my “happiest moments in my life” and how lucky I really am.

I look at my luckiest moments from a personal perspective and

Although I do not consider Tuesday as my luckiest moment of my life, it certainly has made me feel lucky to be an American.

By the way, when were your happiest moments?

Share some with us

Have a great day

Have a happy moment

Love

Mike

60 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Mike
Thank you fro sharing those warm moments with us. You are such a sweet man. You have me thinking or re-thinking my happy moments. You always get me thinking, that is what I like best about your blog page.
You have a good day
Laurie

Anonymous said...

Michael
Happiness is great topic and something for all of us to think about. You get us to think about so many things. Thank you
Shirley NV.

Anonymous said...

cant wait for the first heavy president just think of all the whitehouse dinners!

Anonymous said...

Dear Mike
I guess someone is taking a moment to think about a heavy President. It would be a nice Idea. That a person could be elected no matter what their race, creed, color, beliefs, or size was. Yet I am the first for a good laugh but jokes like the dinners at the White House, it is that thought process that allows the rest of the people to make jokes on behalf of the fat person.
Just a thought
Marie B

Anonymous said...

Dear Mike
I guess someone is taking a moment to think about a heavy President. It would be a nice Idea. That a person could be elected no matter what their race, creed, color, beliefs, or size was. Yet I am the first for a good laugh but jokes like the dinners at the White House, it is that thought process that allows the rest of the people to make jokes on behalf of the fat person.
Just a thought
Marie B

Anonymous said...

Hi Mike
After reading your blog I thought of my happiest moments I'd like to share one with you. It was when I found out I was adopted. I was twenty years old and I was so happy that my parents chose me. I have no desire to find my birth parents but you made me realize that was a happy moment. I called my mom after reading this blog and thinking. I told her that I loved her and thanked her for being my mom.
Thank you Mike
Terri

Anonymous said...

I tried to think of happy moments and believe it or not so many came to mind .....

The birth of my niece (which i was able to share with you and Madelaine that night)

The birth of my other nieces and nephews

The friendships i have made and kept throughout the years

Happy for right now that i am able to sit here and right this blog

Happy for the opportunities i have to continue to grow and learn

But i would love to share with your readers one very special moment ....

It was almost 18 years ago i walked into a church on Ave R and met the most amazing person in my life... one who showed me what life was about and how to hold onto it and never give up my hope when i thought all was gone.... i sat in the back and listened to him that night with tears in my eyes knowing that maybe there was hope....and while living in NY got to share many happy moments with him and his family.... remembering his sons confirmation where at the end we all stood and sang thats what friends are for.....the times we just sat around talking... our Saturday night card games... the laughter the tears ... so many memories....watching the love between him and his wife and all her encouragement she gave...watching his son grow up .... meeting so many in his family .... the list is endless...

For this Mike i thank you for being that friend 18 years ago and still being that friend today and the first person who allowed me to be myself and feel my fears and showed me ways to express them without turning to the food

Loves and hugggs
Carol

Anonymous said...

Hi Mike
Love this web site you are such an inspiration to me. Thank You for you kind words. You have helped me to want to not give up!
All my love and best wishes
Pam NH

Anonymous said...

Mike
Your thought for the day says happiness is deserved. Did you make that one up. It is deep and very intense. You have a way of getting me to get into myself
John F

Anonymous said...

to marie b
if we can't have a sence of humor about ourselves then we migt as well throw in the towel!!! i think if you lighten up a bit marie b then you will ligten up in all respects.

Anonymous said...

Well my anonymous friend,
I have a sense of humour and if were sitting in my living room I could laugh at ourselves and lighten up with the rest of us. It is when we use public places like this blog that gives others permission to laugh at us and make fun of us where I have a problem with. Sorry anonymous if we disagree but that is what makes this country great.
Marie B

Anonymous said...

Dear Mike
I have to agree with Marie B. I agree that laughing is good medicine and if we could laugh at ourselves that is a good thing. Yet when those who do not really know what it is to be overweight make fun of us and comedians find it fair game to knock us, then it is difficult to get the respect and help we really need.
Vera Boston

Anonymous said...

Hi Michael
I found you on google and I have to say I am glad I did. I enjoy reading what you have to say and you are a truly a special man. Please take care of yourself you are very important to so many people out here.
Elenore G.

Anonymous said...

Dear Michael
I enjoy this blog page and I am enjoying the exchange between some of the contributors. I think it is a healthy thing and a great thing to have a place to exchange safely
Keri

Anonymous said...

Hi Michael
Love to hear that you are doing well. You are very deep and understanding of what life is about and thank you for inspiring all of us.
Thelma T.

Anonymous said...

Dear Michael
You have helped me get on track. I have been struggling for a life time and now carry over 150 pounds more than I should have. Yet since I have been visiting your blog and reading your blog and the comments I have gotten things together and lost now 55 pounds. Thank you
Loni

Kathy said...

One of the happiest moments of my life was my first E mail response from you. I printed it and keep it to help me when I need it most. Another happy moment is figuring out how to get back on Google blog so that I can receive the comments in my in-box again. :) Today I picked myself up again to battle the beast. The first person I thought about through the haze was you. Having you to reach out and grab a "hand" is invaluable in battling this disease. God bless you Mike.

Kathy M in Florida

Anonymous said...

Hi

It has been a while but this is great topic happy moments. As i look back there are so many forgotten happy moments I iften wonder why the sad thing out weigh our happy time. Thanks for getting me to think yes happy thoughts. What a great day

Chubby

Anonymous said...

Dear Mike
I guess I have more happier moments than I thought. You got me thinking and there were a lot.
Thanks
Dee

Anonymous said...

Thank you Mike for the great blogs You are such a motivator
Lawrence

Anonymous said...

Hi Michael
Read your blog a few of the past ones, you have gotten to me. You write from the heart and have helped me so much. Thank you, you make me want to do better.
Please be well
Bea NM

Anonymous said...

Mike
Could you share more of your food program that you follow. I know it is one that you have more or less adopted yourself but if it is working for you can you give details
Rob

Anonymous said...

Dear Mike
Thanks for sharing so much. You are so helpful to me and so many. Please continue to inspire.
Anna

Anonymous said...

Michael
Have been thinking about my happiest moments and honestly one of them has been finding this blog site.
Rita W

Anonymous said...

Michael
Coming to this page is refreshing and inspiring to myself and so many. Thank you Mike hope all is well
Jane K

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Laurie
I am so glad that my blog helps set off your thinking cap. Thank you for sharing it is people like you that inspire me and many of our blog family. Have a great day and keep sharing
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Hi Shirley
True, happiness is a great topic (at least I feel it is) but less time should be spent thinking about happiness and more time just being happy.
Shirley I am so glad to hear from you. I hope you and life are getting along well. It is a great team mate ...
Be well and keep in touch
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

To the person who can not wait for that first heavy president ....

Sorry, you are about 100 years too late.
1909 President Taft was a man who battled a weight problem. They say he tipped the scales at over 300 pounds. Now to me that is a lightweight but everything is relative.

Besides to the number of dinners in the White House ... I would guess there is dinner there every night someone is home.

Think about it
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Marie B
I understand where you are coming from. I too believe that part of the solution to the problem of obesity is going to have to come from the help of others. That help comes a lot easier when people are educated to the causes, needs, and problems of the disease.
Pity we do not need nor want, respect and understanding is what we wish and need.
Marie keep smiling and have a great day
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Terri
Moms are special people ...or at least should be. I get your mom is one of those special ones. Wish her a happy Thanksgiving for me. Terri you have a great day and thanks for sharing with me and the blog family,,,
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

My dear special friend Carol
I have to share something with you and the blog family.
Not only do people leave public comments on the blog but very often people email me (at michaelhebranko@yahoo.com) private thoughts.
On this blog posting on "Happiness" I received several people telling me that they could not think of any "happy moments". None! Zero! Could you imagine?
Then I read your comment Carol, and I say to myself, I am lucky to know you and that you are a lucky person to have several happy moments to share with us.
I can also remember some good laughs we had over the years too.
We are lucky Carol and you know what???? We have a lot of life ahead of us and no reason in the world not to be happy about that.
So Carol, lets talk and keep smiling because your laugh is infectious
Have a happy holiday to you and your loved ones
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Pam
Thanks and just a note, living is a great thing and no one should ever give up!
Have a great one
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear John F
You ask if I made up the thought of the day ..... I think so! I believe I did. I know I did not look it up and reprint it. It might have been something I heard over the years and is in my head but I do not think so ...
Either way happiness is deserved ...and why not?
Have a good one John
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

To Our Anonymous writer
To my friend who is writing about the heavy President and then answering our friend Marie B. I agree with you that nothing like a good laugh. Yes many of us need to "lighten up" emotionally a little and then maybe it will follow through physically easier.
The only thing I ask you respectfully is that what you find funny and choose to laugh at, just may not be funny to others. We need to respect that in each other.
You have a great one my "Nameless" friend
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Thank you Vera and have a great day
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Hi Elenore G
Thank you but I truly believe we are all very special and all in very special ways. Thanks for sharing and please continue to share.
Have a great day
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Keri
I agree with you. One of the reasons I set up this blog page was for exchange of thoughts. As long as it is done in a respectful manor ....let the exchange continue
Be well Keri
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Thelma
Not to sure I know what life is all about. I do know a lot about living with this disease and fighting to survive. Yet thanks for the compliments. Hope all is well with you
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Loni
That is so wonderful and I am so happy. Love to hear that you are doing well right now.... now is what counts! Take it easy, never give up Loni and if there is a slip here and there they do not have to turn into disasters. Just stay focused.
Keep in touch
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Kathy
My hand is always there for you and you have my email address also. I am happy to be a friend and a support to you but never forget who is your first support. Who is right by your side through the good times and the bad times, who knows you better than anyone else in the world. Remember Kathy that person is "YOU" and she "Kathy" needs some recognition too. Some love and care, a big "self-hug". You are the one who picks yourself up time and time again. I am here for you Kathy
But so is Kathy
Hang in there and have a great healthy Holiday
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Hi Chubby
Great to hear from you again.
Love what you had to say, it made me think. Some one is the past said..."when I am right o one remembers, when I am wrong no one forgets".
It is true we often remember the bad times and not focus on the happy moments. Looking at that glass as half full takes work for some of us. "Accent the positive, focus on the good times. We have to want to be happy in order to be happy!
Chubby have a great holiday and be healthy
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Dee
Think about those past happy moments but lets not forget to be happy NOW!
Don't worry be happy
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Lawrence
Glad you enjoy thanks for sharing
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Bea
Thank you for you nice thoughts and I work on being well. Hope all is well with you and hope to hear from you
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Rob
Stay tune ... I will be sharing more of my daily food philosophies with whomever would like to hear of it. In the meantime Rob I hope you are having a great day
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Hi Anna
You are sweet. Thanks
Love
Mile

Mike Hebranko said...

Rita
We are glad you have found the blog and I hope it you enjoy it. Have a great day
Love
Mike

Mike Hebranko said...

Dear Jane
Things are great....perfect? No, but great yes!
Life can be rough at times but being able to part of it is a great thing!
Thanks for sharing
Love
Mike

Anonymous said...

Dear Michael
I so enjoy this web site. You enlighten me and I thank you.
Sonny

Anonymous said...

Michael
I enjoy the blog, I enjoy the polls and the comments do you think you will ever expand this blog site?
Lynn

Anonymous said...

Mike
Great topic to write about. I have been focusing on the happy moments since I read this blog. Thank you, Bless You
Keri

Anonymous said...

Mike
I am happy today. Thanks
Tom

B said...

i am glad that you realize how lucky you are to be married to such a wonderful person. I guess it runs in the family!

B

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