Today I begin my study of Joy as it unfolds in my life. My plan is to read The Book of Joy, by HH, the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Abrams, and examine the ideas and principles. After reading the introduction, by the talented writer Douglas Abrams, I read through Chapter 1. One of the ideas that struck me was this: how central relationship and friendship are to our experience of joy. As I was pondering that idea, the phone rang and grandson Rod announced that his father was bringing over two of our Greats, Evan 7 and Madelyn 8, for an impromptu visit. They are here from Las Vegas, visiting their father and numerous relatives. Suddenly, they were at the door with hugs and kisses. Quickly, the living room was strewn with toys, questions bounced off the walls, and all was happiness. We were allotted two hours before their grandfather came back and carried them off to supper. Soon after they came, their grandmother arrived. We all had a jolly time together, and when the children were tired of tinker toys, coloring, and building with blocks—well, my two ipads were just the thing. A long quiet day was what we expected—but excitement, happiness, and joy just fell into our laps. What a joyful surprise!! We were so exhausted when they left that we ordered a pizza—and took a long rest in our recliners.