Good Words

"I believe in making my dad proud," is one of the nicest phrases that can be written or said. It is also how Van Jones, author of The Green Collar Economy and a special adviser to the White House Council on Environmental Quality, began a recent oral essay about what he wants to be able to say to his dad — a middle school principal who brooked no nonsense — when he sees him in heaven.

"I want to do what you do," is equally flattering and that was how Jackie Davis let her dad, retired jockey Robbie Davis, know she was impressed by how he lived his life. She said she was ready to put her Barbies, dresses and makeup behind her so she could dress in the silks and guide tons of horseflesh around the oval. Dad said she wasn't, but she proved him wrong.

Some days are just happier than others.