I don't watch much daytime TV, but once in a great while I'll be off work and able to tune in to shows I rarely get to see. On one such occasion, several years back, I settled for an episode of Judge Judy. Daytime TV...remember...not a lot to choose from. Besides, I gotta admit, I enjoy seeing that little woman knock people down a peg or two. But in this particular episode it wasn't the judge who had my attention.
Two women were arguing...I know...happens every episode. But one of the women sent the other a certified letter which was never claimed. The U.S. Postal Service returned it to her weeks later. So Judge Judy asks the woman it was sent to, "why didn't you sign for the letter?" I'll never forget the response! "Nothing good ever comes by certified mail or special delivery."
Holy Cow! Had the woman never entered a sweepstakes? Was she doomed to never experiencing a thrill of hope when a UPS or Fed-Ex truck turns into her driveway? Never to do the happy dance because of a delivery slip in the mail box? Never to open an envelope, with a judging agency return address on it, with trembling hands praying that this is the BIG one? Talk about a Soap Opera! How dismal her life must be with so little hope of something spectacular happening when least expected.
I've always known that sweepstakers are extreme optimists, but this episode of Judge Judy really brought it home to me. Sweepers see that light at the end of the tunnel or should I say prize? We go the distance and keep trying when others give up. We don't win all the time, but we do not quit because of a few losses. Okay, six months (or more) with no wins will get the best of us down a bit. That's why we have support groups, clubs & forums where we encourage each other and remind ourselves that there is always hope of another big win! Maybe even tomorrow!
I could never go back to living my life like that woman on Judge Judy's show. How sad to think that she will forever be afraid to sign a delivery slip. (Sigh!) I think I'll go check my mailbox!
Gwen Beauchamp
