Happy Days

My favorite TV show as a kid was Happy Days.   The show made me feel, well, happy.  I thought “the Fonz” was a superhuman, believed Joanie really did love Chachi, and was grateful I did not have a nose like Al’s. I related to something about each character.  In love with Fonzie, then Chachi, and wanting  Richie Cunningham to be my brother, the cast seemed like family.  I was weird like Potsie and as Ralph Malph did, I thought I was funny.  Played by, Don Most, Ralph Malph, was forever saying the most bizarre things, getting into odd predicaments, and annoying everyone.  One of my favorite episodes is where Richie thinks he is going crazy.  Ralph has this advice for him:

Ralph Malph: [ Richie is worried that he's going crazy ] “Come on, Richie! You’re no crazier than the rest of us! Look at Potsie. You think he’s normal? And Fonzie… super-cool Fonzie. Fonzie with his “Ayyy!” I mean, that’s pretty… that’s really sicko when you come right down to it.

Having days that often turn in two weeks of being “not happy,” I have learned to find pleasure in small things. This may mean trumping up positive memories in some way. For me, watching the delightful series brings a certain amount of cheer and helps me remember “Happier Days”  are possible.