Today is Thursday. In a few hours I have to teach a gym class. I want to call in sick and stay in bed all day. I don’t want to be responsible. Some days I like to talk to people. Today I don’t want to talk.
I will tape a smile to my face.
“How are you?”
I reply, “Well, I just had three moles cut off. I am constantly worried about skin cancer. I spilled cornstarch in my pantry last summer and I still haven’t cleaned it. My dogs toenails are too long. I have a rash on my face. My neighbor’s dog barks all the time and I want to tape its mouth shut. I took everything out of my closet and dumped it on the floor in my bedroom. I can’t seem to get anything done and my upstairs bathtub is clogged.”
But, what I really say is, “Fine, and you?”
I won’t call in sick. I will teach the gym class. I won’t stay in bed all day.
Today I will smile and ask someone, “How are you?”
Then I will sit with them, look them in the eye, and wait for an answer.
I will listen. I hope they tell me the truth. I hope they feel listened to and loved.
Do you want a sick day?
