Happy in So Many Ways

Dear Harlan,

I wanted to thank you so much for helping me through the beginning of my freshman year. During the summer, I could only think about the problems I would have to overcome when I arrived at such a large school. The end of the semester is here, and I wanted to thank you so much for everything!

Happy in So Many Ways

Dear Happy,

You're welcome. And now, I'd like to thank you and everyone else who reads this column on a regular or irregular basis (try some bananas — I hear they help with irregularity). It's been 14 years since I started writing this column for my college newspaper, and I'm thrilled to still be here with you. Through the years, I've fallen in love, gotten married, become a father (two times) and grown from a young smart-ass into an adult (and occasional smart-ass). A few things I've learned: (1) We are never alone. No problems are unique, just the people experiencing these problems. (2) We live in a world of options, but too often, we can't see that without the help of others. (3) Life is 90 percent amazing and 10 percent difficult. Too often, the 10 percent takes up 100 percent of the time. The tough stuff doesn't have to be
all-consuming. I hope that you, the readers of this column, will continue to help me use this platform to demonstrate that we are all connected, that we live in a world of endless options and that life, while tough at times, is 90 percent good. Your questions, advice and wisdom are valued and appreciated. I'm so grateful to be able to share this space with you. I hope 2009 is a wonderful year, filled with happiness, good health, safety, security and everything you hope and desire. Thank you!