

Giving Thanks Even If
“Why are you riding a city bus to school? That’s not right! Teachers shouldn’t be riding the bus!” My seventh grade student, a very...


Impossible Improvements
“Which is better… 1 or 2?… A or B? Now is this one better… or is it worse?” After about ten minutes of eyes straining at the chart,...


No More Excuses
“The alarm clock is possessed.” “Excuse me?” “I know it’s possessed. I set it every night and it never goes off in the morning. That’s...


Regrets and Disappointments
“Mom, why aren’t you coming to my recital?” “I’m just too nervous.” “But you know how hard I’ve worked on this piece all year! You’ve...


Jesus, Lift My Load of Guilt!
“Oh, sure… give me that plate too… and the bowl… and the bread basket!” We watched in amazement as the busboy kept stacking dishes higher...


The Gift of Giving
“I really like that picture!” I wanted to show some kindness to the family that had taken in my Peace Corps daughter during her first...


Blots and Stains
“Now if you’re really careful, I’ll let you address the Christmas card envelopes. Just be sure you write smoothly so you don’t leave any...


Pour it out! Pour it on!
“Eww! What’s with the sour milk? It’s not even the due date yet! Pour it down the drain and then run some water for awhile so the smell...


Where Does It Hurt?
“So on a scale of one to ten, how would you describe the pain in your knee?” “Two” The nurse and I exchanged wide-eyed wonderment. I...


Please Help!
“If you can’t control your mouth, maybe we should just tape over it!” I’d had enough of the constant comment coming from this eighth...