Very, Very Sad

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WARNING:
This is a disturbing true story which is different from the normal articles found on this site.  I am including it here as part of BeHappy101.com mainly to make a few "happiness" points which I discuss throughout the website.

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Recently I was leaving for a 3-day business trip to San Francisco, which would actually be a 7-day trip since I would stop in Newport Beach for 4 days to hang out on our boat for a few days (something I absolutely love).

As I do every time I leave for a trip, I went in to kiss my two sleeping little girls goodbye (Joie, 8, and Jae, 5) and started by kissing my little "princess", Jae, on the forehead and whispering softly, "I love you my little princessa".  As I started to walk away, she awoke partly, extended her arms toward me and said softly, "daddy, give me a hug".  My heart melted as I hugged her.  It was beautiful.  Then, as I went to go kiss Joie, Jae called out again and said, "daddy, just one more hug before you leave" (still half asleep but extending her arms widely again).  I had tears in my eyes and such a warm feeling in my heart.  "This is the best feeling in the world", I thought to myself.

Then, I went and kissed my little "bebita" Joie, saying to her, too, "I love you my little bebita".  She, too, extended her arms out and, without saying anything, just hugged me tightly.  Again, it was the most beautiful feeling in the world.

These two minutes were so special.  These two precious, innocent little girls love me and it doesn't get any better than that.  My wife and I are very lucky.  And, the love we have for them is indescribable.

Just 15 minutes later I was sitting in a taxi headed to the airport in Tampa.  About 5 minutes into the drive, the taxi driver turned up the radio and said out loud, "Listen to this - it's terrible". 

Unfortunately I proceeded to listen to the news story (I never, ever watch or listen to the news).  Just a few hours earlier, a car had sped past an off-duty policeman at about 100 miles per hour.  The policeman chased the car, which proceeded to stop at the top of the Sunshine Skyway bridge in St. Petersburg, Florida (which is right next to Tampa).  Before the police officer could do anything, a man jumped out of the car, pulled a 5-year old little girl out and threw her off the bridge!! (the Skyway bridge is a very high bridge with deep, cold water below).  The off-duty officer couldn't stop him in time.  An hour later, search and rescue crews found this innocent little "princess" - obviously dead.

It ruined my day and could have ruined my entire week (if I would have let it).

Just minutes before, I was so happy, relishing in the beauty and love of my two little girls hugging me and telling me they love me.  Then, the thought of that beautiful little innocent child falling to her tragic death because some deranged father who apparently was very unhappy and couldn't feel the love (or didn't care), made me very, very sad. 

I didn't need to know this.  I am not any happier for it. In fact, it had the potential to make me less happy (although, fortunately, I have ways to avoid that).  I would much rather have never known about this terrible incident.  It's why I NEVER watch the news.  It serves no purpose.  I already know terrible things like this (and even worse) happen every day.  I don't need to be reminded of it so constantly and specifically.

Sure, perhaps there is a small part of me that feels grateful for what I have when I hear stuff like this.  But, I was already feeling so much gratitude, love, warmth, and happiness just a few minutes before from my own wonderful experience with my little girls.  I don't need to hear the tragedy of that beautiful, innocent little thing falling hundreds of feet to her horrible death. 

During the entire flight to California I couldn't help but picture that sweet little girl screaming as she fell to the water below (hopefully she died on impact and didn't struggle in the cold water before drowning).  I felt hatred for the terrible man (her father) who did it.  How could anyone do such a thing?  I pictured my little 5-year old (who minutes before had hugged me twice and told me she loved me) falling from the bridge and getting crushed by the impact. I literally cried in my seat.

I don't know what is happening to this world, but I do know that things like this are why this website is my passion and commitment.  If I can help just one person get past the misery this father must have been feeling to do such a horrific thing, then I am meeting my objective and achieving my mission, and it's all worth it.

So for you, my visitors, please ... cherish your life.  Be grateful for what you have.  And, if you have children, treasure them every minute of every day.  If you have problems (as we all do), realize that it's not that bad and appreciate what's good about life.  And, if you have serious problems, get help.  Finally, don't watch the news if you want to be happy.

Rest in peace, little princess, and...

BeHappy! my friends

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PLEASE CONSIDER... If the information on this site helps you and you'd like to make a donation to BeHappy101.com (to help make others happy), please click on the button below to make a contribution. The amount you donate is entirely up to you. A portion will used to contribute to the happiness of others and is greatly appreciated. [WHY DONATE?]

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