A young boy grows up during the difficult days of the Great Depression, where he faces many problems and choices that conflict with his perception of what he and other people might normally EXPECT. From his own unique experiences, and by observing people's actions and behavior, he recognizes the anomalies inherent in EXPECTATIONS, which make life unpredictable, funny, and often interesting. His study of expectations lead him to develop a happy philosophy that makes him strong in dealing with his young years in difficult and oftentimes sad situations.