On Days Like Today

I miss teaching.

Especially on days like today.

But, if I was still teaching…

this is what I’d say:

You don’t remember the day… you weren’t even born yet. Wow. That’s crazy. You can stop writing. You won’t be tested on this... not in my classroom. I’m not going to tell you stories. Not about that day... not now. Some day I will... but not today.

You’ll get stories from someone else and from the TV and radio and newspapers. None of you listen to the radio do you? You should. You should read newspapers too. They have some in the library. Anyway, here’s your homework.

Relax. Just listen.

I want you to walk a little softer today. I want you to talk with people you don’t normally talk to and listen a little more. Especially to people you don’t normally listen to. Because today isn’t a normal day. It’s not like yesterday and today won’t be like tomorrow.

So please... before you move… look both ways. People are going to be coming at you from the left and the right. Just offer them kindness. It helps sometimes and if it doesn’t help… well, you’ll be kind and that’s a good thing. We need more kindness today.

I’m almost done. Less shouting too. You know what? How about no shouting? And let’s hold open a few more doors. Don’t honk your horn unless it’s to help. Slow down for the yellow lights and stop for the red ones. I want you safe and you’ll keep other people safe too. That’s a good thing. Especially today. Listen to some music today and sing loud! Singing is good. Feels good too.

And give out some hugs. You know, you may even get one back! That’s a pretty good deal.

And make sure you tell the people you love that you love them. Some words are more than just words. Love is one of those words.

I know you don’t remember that day 23 years ago but please try to remember this... some people will never forget that day. Today may be September 11th for you and me but for some people yesterday was September 11 and tomorrow will be 9/11 all over again.

Every day is 9/11 for some people. Try to remember that. OK. I’m done.

I’m so grateful I get to be your teacher. Thanks for listening. I love you idiots. I hope you know that. The rest of class is yours.