MAMA EXPLAINS

"Look. the whole world is screwy," I observed. "Politicians serve themselves and an ideology, not the people. The gods of the media try and shape the world. Religious zealots want to conquer the world. Judges let sex offenders out to do it again. And on and on and on. I can't see any rhyme or reason to this looney bin we're stuck in. None!"
Happiness," smiled Mama with an understanding look in her eyes. "It's about happiness."
I scrunched my face. "I don't get it."
"Neither do they, " she laughed lightly. " That's the problem. You see, what do we all want deep down? To be happy. Most people don't know what makes them happy. So they pursue this and that. Power. Fame. Money. Control. Sex. Winning. They think, or have been sold, the idea that this will make them happy. So they go after whatever they have bought into. When they get it, they feel good for a little bit. But soon they realize they are not happy. So they chase even harder. It's a lot like watching a dog chase it's tail. "
"So how does one achieve happiness?" I wondered.
"It's here," Mama Renee answered, pointing to her head. "And here," her hand now covering here heart. "For me, I have my children and my grandchildren. I have my restaurant. And I have good customers like you, Mr. Frazzi. I can't speak for others, but I am happy."
A little ding came from a bell on the door. A little old man and lady entered the restaurant and took a table.
"Excuse me, Mr. Frazzi", apologised Mama as she rose. "Enjoy the latkas," she encouraged with a wink. 'They make you happy." With that she crossed to her new customers.
I began eating my latkas, but was not happy. Mama has a simple view of things, to be sure. It was real for her, and there was certainly more than a little wisdom in her perspective, but there were just too many variables for a homespun philosophy of happiness to account for.
I needed to pursue answers.
I needed answers.
I needed...
I needed...
I needed to enjoy my latkas.
I took a big slug of lemonade. My latkas were here, now. I smiled and cut myself a big bite.