The P ublisher Po stulates
THIS TOO SHALL PASS
By Aaron R. Fodiman
34 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | MAY/JUNE 2020
that this ride called
life can end at any
moment. The good
and the bad are both
parts of life that come
and go on their own
schedules and for
their own reasons. We
must believe that life
is worth living and
that we are fortunate
to be blessed with it,
despite its turmoil. Life
is a scary roller coaster
ride, taking us up and
down and all around,
as we wonder where it
will go next. There is
no plan, there is no road map and a GPS
will not help.
So wherever you find yourself, be
prepared to accept life as the gift it is and
try to relax while disaster looms ahead.
Unlike New Yorkers who know that the
light at the end of the tunnel is New Jersey,
we never know what is coming next. So
enjoy each day, one day at a time, and have
faith that “this too shall pass.” 9
I am an optimist. I
believe everything
works out for the
best in the end and
that every cloud has a
silver lining. That is
why I constantly am
saying, “This too shall
pass.” Most people
believe I am saying that
eventually everything
will be all right, and
generally they would
be correct, but I often
say it when all is going
Margaret says I have two major faults. One, I don’t listen, and then something else.
well because it keeps
However, she knows that even when I listen, I don’t hear.
me grounded. “Into
each life some rain
must fall,” or as so many say now, “shit
except, apparently, for Prince Harry. That
happens.”
is why envy and jealousy are such a waste
Life has its ups and downs, and we hope
of time and energy. Erma Bombeck’s book
for more ups than downs. Unfortunately,
titled The Grass is Greener over the Septic Tank
it does not always happen that way. Yet,
had me realize that everything is not as it
life is a glorious experience to appreciate,
seems. It seems we can never see the entire
no matter what our personal problems
picture, or know all the facts when we are
are. I often remind myself that 50% of all
speculating on the lives of others, but the
people are below average. Of course, that
chances are that the beautiful pastry you
works well for the other 50%. Perhaps that
think you see is really a mud pie.
is why it is said that if you could exchange
I accept whatever life gives me gratefully
your problems for those of another, you
and thank my lucky stars that whatever
would probably take your own back. We
my failings, I am able to overlook them. I
have all possibly dreamed of being king, enjoy each moment of every day, knowing
Publisher / Editor
PEPITO MASTERPIECE PORTRAITS