I donít know how many others of you have seen the sign in our area telling us the world will end this month. Well, I donít think so! The last 10 days have shown me that there is reason to go on, and all of it combined is like a shot of vitamin B12 right into the old bicep!
Iíve heard all the arguments about how we fought a war to be shed of the monarchy, how we donít bow to anyone … yeah, yeah, yeah … but honestly, how could we look upon that glorious couple in England who married last week and not feel a huge jolt of pure joy? To me it wasn’t so much the monarchy as it was simply a joyous event, beautiful weather, lovely bride, pretty music. All in all, it was something positive and exciting to focus on. An event to take our mind off of a contentious run-up to the election, the severe weather, the budgetary fights in Congress and the violence our country seems to be gripped in at the moment. Yes, sir, it was a lovely, sweet event that allowed us for a moment to reflect on all that is good and wonderful in the world. After all, who doesnít enjoy a fairy tale love story?
No sooner had we gotten over the saga of Prince Charming and his beautiful princess than we were hit with the stunnning news of the death of Osama Bin Laden. Wow! Watching the images coming from around the country, of throngs breaking into the ěStar Spangled Bannerî or spontaneously reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, my heart swelled with pride. I was happy again. Our country is united again, and we can take pride in all things American ó again! We as a society needed this wholesome wedding and this spectacular news out of Pakistan to put a spring back in our step, to give us hope of a better tomorrow and inject us all with a shot of patriotism ó again.
All of this wonderfulness has brought home to me what a pleasure it is to smile over current events, made me excited to pick up the newspaper every day and made me realize that there is much good in this world, much to be grateful for and happy about. During this respite from gloom and doom, we can concentrate on what is right with this country, focus on what the future might have in store for us, and express thanks for the right and might of the United States of America!
My son is now a rear admiral in service to the United States, and I sent him an email this morning praising the efforts of the Navy, expressing gratitude for his and all service personsí call to duty. I told him how much I appreciated his giving 25 years in service to Uncle Sam. Now, he is ready to retire, and he will do so with the knowledge that he did a good job. They have all done a good job.
That shot of adrenalin we needed? Well, we have it. Something positive and good to focus on, and that young couple in England, well, they too have a better future now.
Up next? Why, the Kentucky Derby and Motherís Day. Does it get any better than this?

Janet McCanless lives in Salisbury.