LETTERS: THE ANSWER IS LOVE

To the editor:

Have you ever had one of those nights when your brain simply wouldn't shut down enough for you to sleep? You toss and turn and perform all kinds of rituals in your mind, but nothing works. You visualize nothing but pleasant things, count hundreds of stupid sheep, drink a glass of warm milk and finally wind up watching television. Well, have I got a deal for you. Insomnia sufferers of the world, unite!

As I struggled to get to sleep the other night, my restless mind plotted revenge on all those people who have a natural ability for a good night's sleep. Everyone should have to lie awake at night and try to find the answer to the age-old question, "What is the meaning of life?"

A wicked smile crept across my face as I envisioned the difficulty of answering that question. World insomnia would be caused by one middle-aged, sleep-deprived man. My satisfaction was short-lived. That computer brain of mine began to sear for the answer to the question. I became even more sleepless in Villa Ridge. My devious plan had backfired on me.

So, what is the meaning of life? After pondering about it for a couple of hours, it hit me. I think it was a genuine revelation. We all should have at least one revelation in life.

Perhaps the simplest answer is love. There are many kinds of love, There is love of God and country, fellow man, life, liberty and the right to pursue happiness. In fact, "What is love?" could be a whole other question. Think about it. The world would be a better place if we all had more love in our hearts. The Eagles asked in one of their songs, "Without love, where would we be now?"

For starters, you have to have love and respect for life itself. Case in point: I used to like to hunt squirrels. Now I enjoy watching them eat at the feeders outside my office window. Little things mean a lot as we each chase our rainbows in life. I don't want to shoot an elephant. All I really want is to make the most of each day God gives me. What more could you ask? We are all guilty of wasting precious days that, once lost, cannot be reclaimed.

If we could find more love in our hearts, our lives would be enriched. Love and happiness seen to follow hand in hand. It is difficult to have one without the other.

As I lay sleepless in the darkness of the bedroom, I realized how much I loved my child bride of almost 37 years. She has a woman-child quality about her that makes her very special.

Love is the key that unlocks the door to happiness in life. First of all, you have to have self-esteem and love yourself.

Without that, you are tempted to do some undesirable things in life. Where do you find love? You find it each day in many ways if you only look. If love is not the answer, it sure makes a more fulfilling life. The meaning of life may be different for each of us. The real answer is out there. It lies deep within the heart of man.

WAYNE BERRYHILL

Villa Ridge, Ill.