It’s the beginning of a New Year and as I sit here on Texas Death Row, reflecting on memories and special moments of the past, my mind keeps wondering back to all the letters I’ve received over the years, and the special friendships that have come from them. When people first start writing to me they quickly noticed how positive my letters are and how they are filled with such humorous laughter. They quickly respond and seem to always make the same comment : “ I like that you can still be positive and happy under your circumstances, I know it must be hard ?” I’ve often thought of this comment and have tried so very hard to put it in such a perspective that I can better understand it myself. I’ve come to the realization that “No”, it is not hard for me to be a positive and happy person under any circumstances. Life and all the many circumstances that come with it lead me to believe that our happiness comes from our own choosing. I am of strong mind that we get out of this life, the kind of effort we put into it. When we look into the mirror the reflection that stares back at us is the one person that controls our happiness. After discovering this fact in life, I decided long ago that I would never give anyone or any circumstance control over my happiness. I am still able to be happy under these circumstances because I choose to be happy. Tomorrow isn’t a promised day to any of us and should I die tomorrow, it gives me great comfort and peace to know that last day on earth I was happy. So my dear friends, as I sit in this small cell and think of the comment that many of you have made to me, it has come to my attention that, happiness is a state of mind that has nothing to do with physical circumstances. We discover true happiness when we discover our own control over it. I refuse to allow this injustice to rule over my happiness because it is mine and nothing or no one can take it from me. My friends, this 2004 season of life find your true happiness and when you do realize that it is yours to keep if it is what you choose. It is yours and therefore you have a right to it. Happy New Year ! Anthony