Dr. Fitzpatrick,
I love the first quote you gave by Elbert Hubbard "Don't take life so seriously..."
I recently attended a funeral for my brothers father in law, Smokey. Smokey passed away at 92 years of age, and was a world war 2 vet. He was in the Royal Canadian Air Force, and lived through 33 bombing missions into France and Germany during the war. Every one of those missions involved enemy fire which hit their plane to varrying degrees. Sometimes leaving them with only on engine to return. That, combined with exact rations of fuel for their bomber, made for some very nervous rides home over the English Channel back to base. Three of these missions were near fatal, and if not for some very 'creative' piloting would have been tragic.
I had the pleasure of knowing Smokey for many years, and could listen to him tell stories for hours and hours. It made me gain a very profound appreciation for these veterans, and needless to say, because of Smokey I have learned to take every veterans day off and reflect on how lucky we are. After the war Smokey returned to Canada, raised a beautiful family, and became a very successful person touching the lives of many people in his community.
His son (Pat)gave his eulogy, and told a story that relayed how 'down to earth' he was, and maybe how welll he could put things into perspective by shedding light on a particular situation. Pat said that he remembered as as a young teenager being very nervous about his first air plane ride to visit relatives on the east coast. Smokey picked up on his nervousness and asked him what was wrong? Pat explained to his Dad that he was very nervous about flying for the first time, and he wasn't sure if he would be able to get on the plane. Smokey looked at him, paused and said (only as Smokey could) "I don't know what the problem is, it's not like anyone is going to be shooting at you."
I have never heard such a chuckle at a funeral before. That line has really stuck with me, and helps me get through what I perceive as challenges every day. Your quote reminded me of this, thanks!