Following a young life concluding with the achievement of most all his hopes and dreams, Don, through a tragedy, found himself stripped of most of his physical abilities and, with that, his confidence. His love of words and poetry gave him the strength to move forward into a life rife with new possibilities, and eventually, his true love. The writings which follow are intended to provide an inspiring, aspiring, and hopeful perspective on the particulars of life, regardless of circumstance. It is Don's hope that these words inspire you to seek and choose cheerfulness.