I screamed with glee as the tug on my fishing rod nearly pulled me onto my face. With his strong arms, my father reached over and helped me reel in the big mass of sea weed. He and my sister began laughing as I stared in disbelief. “It’s OK,” he smiled, “we’ll get another one.” It didn’t help that my mom nearly dropped the camera from laughing so hard.

We never did get a fish, but through the years he helped me in many other ways. I would work in his dental office after school and help any way I could. At night, he would help me with my homework. And my sister led the family cheering section when I received my college diploma. We were a team.

I realize now how much happier my life is when I am working with others. Whether they are helping me, or I am helping them, burdens seem a little lighter and time is a little sweeter. And some day I just might get that fish.