Happiness is an inside job
By NJ Chicaa
@NJChicaa (124197)
United States
August 6, 2025 6:27am CST
A Facebook memory came up yesterday and made me think of this. It was a picture of my deceased dad from 14 years ago. He was at his favorite place--the beach--and had caught the tiniest baby bluefish (aka "snapper"). He was holding it up like he had caught a marlin and had the hugest smile. I sent the pic to my mother and it made her laugh.
My dad had a difficult childhood and younger adult years. He was no angel. He eventually worked it all out though and was just the happiest guy alive. He always said "happiness is an inside job". I wish I knew how to do that. I've always been more of a melancholy personality.
Dad? Definitely not. The proof was when he passed and we had the memorial for him. We did an extra hour of visitation and still the line went out the door and around the building. Hundreds of people didn't get to speak to us because we had to start the service. I've never met anyone who had anything bad to say about him.
Dad certainly was a happy man and he was living his best life. It was a tragedy when the ocean took him from us.
8 people like this
6 responses
@Juliaacv (54285)
• Canada
6 Aug
Good morning Dougie, nice fish. 
His happiness, an inside job or not, has certainly brought a smile to my face over the years when you share a photo of him. He must have been so much run to be around, you are such a lucky person, and to have so many precious memories is so rich. 
His happiness, an inside job or not, has certainly brought a smile to my face over the years when you share a photo of him. He must have been so much run to be around, you are such a lucky person, and to have so many precious memories is so rich. 1 person likes this
He certainly was the best--the best husband, dad, grandfather, friend, etc. He was so much fun. We all miss him terribly. It just isn't the same without him.@Juliaacv (54285)
• Canada
6 Aug
@NJChicaa Of course I would remember his name.
I was a Daddy's girl too, and I can understand all too well how much your Dad meant to you, mine meant all of that to me too.
They're probably both laughing it up in a better place than you and I, and joking with everyone around as they both sound like they were the life of the party.
We're both so lucky.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (47055)
•
7 Aug
Actually, our Dad’s were a lot alike. My Dad passed way too early. He overcame a lot of obstacles in his life. He was happy-go-lucky, and tried to make the best of every situation he could. And he was fun! He had so many friends and cherished me, my sister, and my stepmother. We were his pride and joy in life.
I still see him in my mind, and can still hear his voice. He had the best laugh ever! I think Doug and my Dad would have been good friends. I know you miss him terribly, he was your person you connected with and that means so much.
1 person likes this
@snowy22315 (194310)
• United States
6 Aug
Your dad was blessed in that he could make himself happy with the small things. We should all be more like your dad Doug.
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (95562)
• Arvada, Colorado
6 Aug
What a wonderful photo and man he was Chicaa..I know I would have loved him too RIP
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (77684)
• United States
6 Aug
I agree with your dad. I know this is a tough(er) time of year for you. 
1 person likes this
