My dear daughter,
There were a few times in life I remember being truly happy.
I’m aware of memory bias, but I could always rely on my memory being accurate, for good and bad. Usually I felt happy when I had finished all other obligations and had no greater concerns in mind for a time.
I remember being happy in our apartment at Rua Alcino Braga, before entering kindergarten.
I was happy when my sister and I set up the playmobil town.
It was a very nice time every year when I finished exams week at school. Exams week was hell, we had tests everyday on different disciplines. But, when they were over, it was all peace and quiet for a few days, before we went on a family trip.
I felt happy when I was allowed to stay at home playing videogames on Saturday and Sunday mornings while the rest of my family went to the club.
There was a brief and very happy period when I was 17-18 years old. I had a girlfriend I liked very much, nice friends and few concerns.
When I started dating your mother I was very happy indeed. Also when we moved into our apartment, during our honeymoon and during all of our travels.
And I have been very happy every moment I have spent with you ever since you were born, in spite of having a huge load of concerns in my mind constantly.
Sometimes it’s desolating to think we are species not meant to feel happy all the time. But knowing that fact frees us from the foolish eternal quest for happiness. Come to think of it, a heroin overdose would lead to a very short “happy ever after”, but I prefer to keep on living and taking my small happiness doses every now and then.
Love,
Dad
Aspergers Dad 