One day, I had lunch with friends.

Ralph, a short, balding golfer type about 80 years old came along with them...all in all a pleasant bunch.

When the menus were presented, we ordered salads, sandwiches and soup.

Not Ralph though. He said, "Ice cream, please. Two scoops, chocolate, and put that on top of a decent slice of apple pie, warmed, of course."

I'm not sure my ears heard right and the others were equally aghast.

We tried to act quite nonchalant, as if people did this all the time. However, when our orders were brought out, I just didn't enjoy mine.

I couldn't take my eyes off Ralph as his pie a-la-mode went down easily.

The other guys couldn't believe it. They ate their lunches silently and grinned.

The next time I was going out to eat, I called to invite Ralph to join me.

I lunched on white meat tuna.

Ralph ordered a parfait.

I smiled and he asked, "Do I amuse you?"

I answered quite simply, "yes, you do but I'm equally confused. How come you order creamy, rich desserts while I'm ordering food that I think is more sensible? Don't you find your approach strange?"

He laughed very heartily.

"I'm tasting all that is possible. I tried to eat the food I need to eat and do the things I should do to increase my life's quality. But life's too short, my friend, and I hate missing out on something good.

This year I realized how old I am," he said grinning a big grin.

"I haven't been this old before, so, before I die, I've got to try those things that for years I ignored. I haven't smelled all the flowers yet. There are too many trout streams I've yet to fish. There are many more fudge sundaes to wolf down. There are many kites to fly high in the sky. Do you know how many golf courses I haven't played? How many jokes are there to laugh at? I've missed a lot of sporting events. How many potato chips and cokes and other goodies are waiting for me to try?"

"I want to wade again in the water and feel the ocean spray on my face. I want peanut butter spread every day on my morning toast. I want untimed, long distance calls to the folks I love most. I haven't cried at all the movies yet, or walked in the morning rain. I need to feel wind on my face. I want to be in love again at least one more time."

"So, if I choose to have dessert instead of having dinner, then, should I die before nightfall, I'd say I died a winner, because I missed out on nothing!! I had that final chocolate mousse before my life expired."

I heard it all and I called for the waitress.

"I've changed my mind," I said. "I want what he's having, only, please add some extra whipped cream."

My thought here; "Live Well, Love Much & Laugh Often (Be Happy).

Be mindful that happiness isn't based on possessions, power or prestige.

Happiness is based on relationships with people we like and respect.

Happiness is the result of respect we show for one another.

Happiness Is!!

Remember this to the end.

While Money Talks, Chocolate Ice Cream SINGS!!!