2155. Better to light a candle © Bruce Goodman 14 June 2021

Mason had been feeling down for some time. He decided to try and buck out of it. He would make an appointment with a psychiatrist. Maybe that would help. So much had happened in his life of late that was depressing. His wife of thirty-eight years had passed away. His much-loved farm dog had been hit on the road. His heart medication didn’t seem to be working as well as it should. His car needed new tires. A late frost had ruined his favourite dahlias good and proper. The list went on. The psychiatrist was marvellous. He made Mason realize that he should count his blessings. It was better, said the psychiatrist, to light a candle than to curse the darkness. It was a common phrase but it rang true. In fact, suggested the psychiatrist, light a candle each evening as a reminder of the good things in your life. Mason did that. If he hadn’t, his house wouldn’t have burnt down. Contact Author Back to Index Next Story Previous Story