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Our world is one of ugliness but one of beauty, too. The balance can be tipped all too easily between the two. Throughout my life, I have considered myself quite fortunate due to being surrounded by beauty an extremely high percentage of time with many special individuals playing a significant role. I should not be unhappy yet honestly find myself in a state that I would not classify as happy now and then.

Multiple books have been written by outstanding authors to help each of us in our quest for happiness. I have read several and have even facilitated book studies related to a few. Each author may have a different spin on what constitutes happiness in our lives, and I have come to the realization it likely will be somewhat different for each of us. Often, it is just a matter of changing our mind's perspective.

“Change Your Brain Every Day” is one of the most recent books by Dr. Daniel Amen, and he states: “For decades, social scientist have been searching for the roots of happiness. Based on their research, it is generally accepted that happiness is about 40% genetic (you inherit it from your ancestors), 10% your situation in life or what happens to you, and 50% habits and mindset. This means you have a higher degree of control over happiness than most people think.”

On Sunday, May 7, I attended a Celebration of Life for Bruce Burton. Bruce entered this world with challenges that most of us do not. Consequently, he endured a lot, in particular problems that resulted in multiple visits to doctors and hospitals. He was quite happy despite all his life battles and was an inspiration to many.

Bruce was a fixture at Hauser sporting events, and “The Republic” did an excellent article about his presence being a motivator to Hauser teams, including the one that won the 2006 State Basketball Championship. Bryce Mize, a key player, felt Bruce was an important extension while either on the team's bench or the bleacher behind. Bruce was also a fixture on the road his family resided for years. He enjoyed being on the porch swing of their country home and would give a wave to each passerby. I, like many, looked forward to seeing him and that friendly wave.

I also attended the Celebration of Life for Roger Moore on Wednesday, May 11 of the previous year at Norman Funeral Home. Even though I never had the honor of meeting Roger, he obviously endeared himself to many, including animals, with his friendly and caring nature. I do know one of his sisters, Carol Moore Ashbrook, who wrote and shared an excellent tribute to honor his life. Roger, like Bruce, entered this world with challenges that most of us do not, endured a lot, and made multiple visits to doctors and hospitals. His impact at Willow Crossing Health Care Facility, where he spent his final few years, made a lasting impression on other residents and the staff. Like Bruce, he was quite happy despite all his life battles and was an inspiration to many.

Roger was quite the athlete. He was featured in “The Shelbyville News” which gave an account of him and four others traveling from Indianapolis to Los Angeles to participate in the National Special Olympics. He excelled in bowling and track while winning many awards in each.

Bruce and Roger both loved working, Bruce with cows, a member of Bartholomew County 4-H and Junior Red Poll Cattle Association, and Roger with whatever job was presented at Developmental Services in Shelbyville. Each approached work as they did with health issues, with a rare determination. Their parents were told their life expectancy would be short, but Bruce and Roger defied odds of living to 56 and 65 respectively, proving the power of parental care and love.

My sister, Sally Webster, is known in the area for performing years at the Hope Ride and helping fifth graders at Hope Elementary with several CD Projects. She was on my agenda for a professional day related to the teaching profession, a very worthwhile contractual day. I watched with admiration as she assisted students at Madison State Hospital: some while eating, a few with food tubes; helping some students go to the bathroom, changing diapers for a few; moving most from one place to another, some by taking their hand and others in a wheelchair; helping all learn in a variety of ways. Sally just retired as a Teacher Assistant, capitalized due to earning it, for students with unique problems after 44 years. No matter what she was asked to do while never making lots of money, she never complained Sally was always happy to help each child reach their potential. All too often, she had to attend funerals of her students and former students when they were quite young. Paul Ashbrook, well known in the area for the Hope Ride, made a donation in Sally's name each year of the Hope Ride to the Special Olympics.

I would like to thank Bruce, Roger, and Sally for helping me understand the value of life and appreciating each moment with a smile. Years ago, I wrote a song in honor of another individual who was in my class, Rana Wetzel. She was born with Spina Bifida. It seems appropriate to end with the chorus in honor of Bruce, Roger, and Sally too:

“Oh how I wish I could have your courage
To face the obstacles you do
How I wish I could have your persistence
Spending hours on each task
How I wish I could have your smile
Even in the hardest times
May the rays of the sun keep on shining on you”

(If interested in hearing this song, search Google for Sally Webster's albums and the song “Rana”.)