The Presidential campaigns so much in the news caused me to pause and reflect. A mirror is not needed to do this. A number of years ago, a lot of years ago, an epiphany came to me and I embraced it. Use your own imagination, no X rated descriptions, please. It was when, as a citizen with a clean record, I turned thirty-five. That means that I coulda been President! Senator McCain is my age and a Naval Academy classmate ('58 is Great). Pricked my memory. Once again, no X rated descriptions, please. English is a great language, isn't it.

Should one reach thirty five and feel himself (again) less than a success because he/she is not The President? It definitely is not for me, both in desire and ability. This has not kept me awake at night.

But what is the definition of success? Google definitions say: “an event that accomplishes its intended purpose; an attainment that is successful; a state of prosperity or fame; achiever: a person with a record of successes.” That does not really help a lot. Maybe each of us need to define it for ourselves..

Money and power - “prosperity and fame” - are probably part of most folkses definition. That pretty much leaves me out. Money would be nice but power does not really interest. Definitely not a success in this field.

Contribution to the community, to mankind, is one of the first things that comes to my mind. Rationalization, perhaps. Could have done a lot more in this area but as a teacher and tutor, did make and am making a decent contribution. It brings to mind a story I heard somewhere (another epiphany). A long line before St. Peter. Pete asks Bob, the guy at the head of the line, why he should go in. Bob responds that he is a famous doctor who has saved thousands of lives. Pete asks him how much he made last year. After the Bob's astonishing figure, Pete says “You have reaped your reward. Mikey, put Bob on the down elevator.” The next in line is a school teacher, Chuck. Chuck knows he is in. Pete asks him why. Chuck tells how he has helped thousands of young lives. Pete asks if Chuck's students have appreciated his help. Chuck shows him a long file of glowing letters. Once again, Pete says “You have reaped your reward. Mikey, put Chuck on the down elevator.” At least, it puts a teacher's success on the same level as a money manager.

And a contribution to evolution? There I hit the jackpot. My offspring are certainly a step up the ladder. Worked hard at being a good husband, a good father, great genes. Maybe I am a success after all.