Being Happy

My dad gave me with this book, "Being Happy by Andrew Matthews" as a birthday gift. It went missing 12 years ago, just recently found. Seems that my younger brother borrowed and totally forgot about it all these years. He found last week after I persistently asked him to look through his book collection earlier this year.

I came to know about its ‘disappearance’ while I was on holiday in KL last December. I was looking for a book to read as I couldn’t sleep that night. While browsing through my Aunt's book shelf, this particular book caught my attention as it looks very familiar. When I looked through the note written inside, it’s a gift from her dear husband. Suddenly, I remembered that I used to have one years ago. Someone borrowed and has not returned ever since. I lost the interest to find something to read right that moment. Instead, my mind started to wonder about the missing book, which happened to be the last birthday gift from my dad. I’ve never been careless before, especially when it comes to prized possessions. The thought of losing it was very upsetting. I couldn’t sleep at all the entire night, was trying hard to remember who could’ve borrowed. I asked everyone the next morning but no one recalls seeing such book back home. My Aunt wanted me to have hers but I politely declined. I’d rather have the copy that my dad gave, the only one I cherish very much. I was devastated as I haven’t even had the chance to finish reading it. I vowed not to read that book again until I found the one that belongs to me.

The arrival of this long awaited book is like an omen. In a way, it’s telling me that I should find my happiness no matter how long it takes. Maybe it’s already there but I’m just too blind to see. Another possibility is that I can see it's there but not ready to acknowledge or too scared to take a step forward. Either way, I’ll keep my eyes wide open for anything that comes along. I shall be happy with whatever that awaits me eventually. It may take time but I will reach there one fine day...

Dear Dad,
Frank Sinatra did it his way …
Likewise, I shall pursue my happiness in my own way.

Thanks for the book.
Here’s looking at you Dad …