Tom and Martha were married on her father’s plantation in Virginia on New Years Day, 1772. He was 29 and she was a widow at 24. Tom described their marriage as “ten years of uncheckered happiness.” Martha died at the age of 33.

Tom never remarried, as he once promised Martha. But Tom somehow continued to be busy and to find joy in his surroundings, his accomplishments, his inventions, and his books. “I cannot live without books,” he cried.

A good example of this kind of happiness is found in the life of an old entertainer. He was a guest on a TV show. He kept the studio roaring with laughter at his commentary and insights. The master of ceremonies asked him: “How come you’re so happy?”

The old man responded, “Well, now, it’s just as plain as the nose on your face. Every morning when I wake up, I have two choices—shall I be happy or unhappy. I just finally decided to be happy!”

My daughter gave me a painted signboard which now hangs in our home and reads: “It’s never too late to live happily ever after.” Good advice, but sometimes hard to remember in all your troubles. But I try!