Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!!
"When you think things are bad when you feel sour and blue when you start to get mad you should do what I do. Just tell yourself Duckie, your really quite lucky some people are much more oh ever so much more unlucky than you" - Dr. Seuss
This is a quote from one of my favorite Dr. Seuss books Did I ever tell you how lucky you are? I know it may seem strange to quote Dr. Seuss, but the truth is, the man was fairly spot on in his attempts to relay realistic and useful life lessons to children by way of humor and nursery rhymes. I always loved the characters and the imaginative world that was depicted in the books; a world that absolutely fascinated me and kept me not only reading, but loving getting lost in books. I think this was one of the many reasons why I gravitated to writing at such a young age. I decided, on this day of births, to share this particular Dr. Seuss quote because I really think it fits my current mind set, and also reminds us all to not wallow in our misery and instead be grateful for the things we actually do have in our lives. I didn't have rich parents, or have money to go to all the cool theme parks, or buy all the fancy clothes my friends could growing up, but reading this book and hearing this quote, even at a young age made me appreciate the life I was given and not complain about the things I don't have, because what I do have is far more valuable than any monetary item I could be given. To this day, this lesson is one that I cherish, and a lesson I fight hard to pass down to my ladybug.
The last line of the book still makes me tear up:
"Thank goodness for all the things you are not. Thank goodness you're not something someone forgot, and left all alone in some punkerish place, like a rusty tin coat hanger hanging in space. That's why I say Duckie, don't grumble! don't stew! Some critters are much-much, oh ever so much-much more unlucky than you"
I still think the acknowledgement he gives to kids to remember that someone loves them, and how valuable that knowledge is, for sure is the most important lesson that both adults and kids a like can learn. We will all face challenges, some more difficult than others, but the end result is still the same- we aren't alone, and we do have someone, somewhere that loves us and will be there to support us even at our worst.
So thank you Dr. Seuss. On this day of births, I thank you for your wisdom, and humor, and life lessons, and wit, and wish you happy birthday...This one's for you!
I grew up reading your books and learning from your lessons
I decided I would be a writer because of you, I'm guessing
I've loved you for years and read each of your books with both joy and delight
And was colored with happiness at just the simply sight
Each time a new book was added to my growing stack
Books I have happily passed down to my own ladybug who perhaps
enjoys your humor and wisdom as much as I did and still do
Which is why I take joy in the recognition of someone as special as you
on this day of birthdays to say thanks, in remembrance of your wisdom and will
for the memories, and lessons, and insight I cherished then, and still.
