The Art of Crafting Joy

A Legacy of Laughter

Meet Casie Cook, who shares a heartwarming story about her dad, a laughter enthusiast who spread joy wherever he went. Casie, an MFA student, loves words, humans, and the magic that happens when they come together.

Small Acts, Big Impact

Casie’s dad was a master of creating happiness, not just for himself, but for those around him. He:

• left Post-it notes with encouraging messages on his kids’ bedroom doors
• surprised an elderly neighbor with a flower garden
• drove his ex-mother-in-law across three states to visit her dying brother
• helped strangers at Home Depot
• put away shopping carts in parking lots

These grand gestures were accompanied by smaller acts of kindness.

A Life of Resilience

Despite facing adversity, including the loss of his father at a young age and a dysfunctional marriage, Casie’s dad never lost his sparkle. He:

• wore the single father badge proudly
• devoted his life to his children
• taught them the importance of kindness, compassion, and resilience

Carrying On His Legacy

When Casie’s dad passed away at 52, she was devastated. But she realized that he had shown her how to live, and she wears his lessons on her heart every day. She continues to spread joy by:

• holding doors open for others
• nurturing her relationships
• pursuing her artistic passions

The Power of Creation

Happiness isn’t something you find; it’s something you create. You won’t discover it in your:

• paycheck
• latte
• new clothes

You create it by:

• spreading kindness
• helping others
• living with intention

As Casie so beautifully puts it, “You’ve got to create it — for yourself and the people you share your time with, even those you don’t know.”