HAPPY TEARS

"Tears of Joy"

"Tears of Despair"

Last evening, for whatever reason, I was thinking back to when I was young, very young, before school young. I remembered sitting beside my mother, on the living room sofa, as she watched a TV show which I believe was called "Queen For A Day". I cannot remember anything about it. You know, how the woman became "Queen For A Day" and all that. But I remember the endings. Some silly prizes, or so I thought. Like a washing machine or something like that. The winner got a "crown" put on her head too, if I recall correctly. And oh yes, I think she got a "robe" draped around her and maybe even a "septre"? I seem to remember her holding SOMETHING.

But more than the memory of the show was of something I said to my mother.

"Why is that lady crying mommy, she just WON?!". My mother replied, "she's crying because she is so happy". I remember thinking, "Why would you cry when you are HAPPY?!"

And as I recalled that memory last evening, I also realized that now it seems I cry more out of happiness than sorrow. Sorrow I keep deep within me, and when tears do flow in despair, they are never seen or heard by others, not even the person with whom I cohabitate.

Yet it seems I cannot stem tears of joy! An unexpected gift. A kind remark. A hug from a friend. Tears spring easily to my eyes. Oh and let's not forget a sentimental movie or a good book!

Having said the above, I cannot ever remember crying from "happy tears" when growing up, so I am now asking this...... 'At what point in our lives do "happy tears" begin?!'