You had a bad day.

A couple of weeks ago
you had a bad day

You woke up in the morning
with a splitting headache
you felt nauseous and
you haven't felt that close
to vomiting in ages
what did you eat
yesterday?

You still went to
get your haircut
she washed your hair
massaged your head and
made your frizz
pretty and smooth
that was a not-bad
part of the day
and the headache
went away

You got an e-mail
that you were not
selected for that thing
you auditioned for
again
you were disappointed
you cried just a little bit
alone in the bathroom

Your kid found out
that he didn't get
that one scholarship
you were all
hoping for
that would have made
all college decisions
easier

You took your
tween & teenagers
shopping
you hate shopping
the kids found stuff
but not you
in all of the stores
none of the clothes
fit you

You moped somewhat
you listened to
sad songs
you went to a fish fry
with family you love
at your mom's church
cheap beer and
all you can eat
that was another
not-bad part of the day

A few days later
you received a gift
from a friend
more importantly
the letter she wrote
we (parents) all do the best we can
and she encouraged you
to keep writing
and you needed that

And even though
you had a bad day
you know your bad day
is not so bad at all
because
your bad day
still includes
a house
central heating
indoor plumbing
clean water
beds and clothes
stores and food
books and libraries
freedom and peace
your friends
your family
joy faith hope
love love love

*****

When I have a bad day, I think of the children's book Alexander and the Horrible, Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.  I can't remember much of the plot since I haven't read it for years.  But what a great title!  If I'm feeling melancholy or dramatic, it might help me laugh at myself a bit.  "Mary and the Horrible, Terrible, No Good, Very Bad Day"  :)

Also, this song: