r. Sad Sack

aron Von Lodge was the head of a small country known as Lilliland near Switzerland. The time was the early 1900s.

It seems that every country has some memorable characters. They are basically good people but sometimes are extreme in their behavior.

Mr. Sad Sack was just such a person. He was quiet, older man who just sat in the park and kept to himself. He never smiled, said “Please” or “Thank you,” and always talked in voice that sounded like gloom and doom.

The Baron often heard stories about Mr. Sad Sack. Of course, that was not his real name. His real name was George Nelson, but no on ever called by name, only Mr. Sad Sack. The Baron never heard any complaints against Mr. Sad Sack so he decided to take a chance on him. The Baron reviewed his plan with his chief advisor, Professor Hamblin, and his fiancée, Lady Angela. They were reluctant and all agreed it was a chancy decision.

The Baron called Mr. Sad Sack to Lilliland Castle for a conference. At that meeting, the Baron appointed him as chairman of the official welcoming committee to greet all guests who were senior citizens who were coming to visit Lilliland.

The position gave him a suit to wear with an official blue blazer sport coat that had the official Lilliland seal on it. After the castle tailor and barber got through with Mr. Sad Sack, he looked quite distinguished.

Mr. Sad Sack now smiled when he greeted people and was very polite to everyone. His voice was sincere and enthusiastic.

The Baron was very pleased with his appointment and now people began to call Mr. Sad Sack by his real name, Mr. George Nelson.

The Baron spoke with the Professor and Lady Angela about the improvement and how Mr. Nelson so graciously accepted his new role and responsibilities.

The secret, they agreed, was that everyone needs to feel needed, respected and important in their everyday affairs.