How a bad day became a good day for learning

24 years ago, I wrote this. Funny to think the kids that sent me these apology notes are now in their 30s with kids of their own....

By Dave Lieber

Source: THE FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM

May 16, 1995

Everybody has a bad day. Some third-graders at Bedford Heights Elementary School recently had a very bad day. Unfortunately, Very Bad Day was the same day their teacher invited me to speak about writing.

They wiggled and waggled, fiddled and faddled and acted like, uh, children. Nothing worked. So I snapped.

Told them they were the most poorly behaved class I'd ever seen. Told them I was sorry I came.

I looked over at their teacher, and half-expected to get thrown out on my ear.

Instead, she nodded and said, "Somebody needs to tell them!"

Left in a huff. Vowed never to return. Ever. Then a sackful of letters arrived in the Northeast Beat mailbox. Here are excerpts:

"Dear Mr. Lieber,

"I apologize for the way the majority of the group was acting. I am the boy that was wearing a white shirt and denim shorts. I was acting stupid. Sincerely, Kevin."

"If you ever come back which I very much doubt, I will be better. Sincerely, Chase."

"I am sorry about the disruption during your speech. I hope you have better luck with other schools. Thank you for coming even though I know you could have been interviewing someone and not be listening to us. Just remember not to come in the fourth grade. Signed, Bryan."

"I apologize for me wiggling. I hope that you forgive me. Sincerely, (Name illegible.)"

"I am sorry about the majority of us. I just stretched a little. Signed, Jeffrey."

"I'm sorry that a majority of the class misbehaved. Someone was pulling my hair. Love, Brittany."

"I am really sorry about how I played around with the television. Sincerely, Charles."

"Some of us were very hipper today. Heather."

"Sorry about the class . . . I have a little joke for you: Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is lumpy and so is your head. Your friend, ( Name illegible.)"

"We're very sorry we were so hyper. OK, it was me. . . . Well, there were some other people besides me. Your friend, Doug. P.S. You had better keep my signature. It might be worth some money someday when I'm a pro basketball player."

"I'm sorry about the class misbehaving and all. If you wanted to know, I was in the blue shirt and white pants. Sincerely, Suzanne."

"I was on my best behavior when you were here. Love, Steve."

"I'm so sorry for the way we acted. I listened to what you said to us except for one time. Sincerely, Rachel."

"I don't think any person that listened to you and read your columns couldn't learn anything from you unless it was the editor of your newspaper now and then. Sincerely, Lindsay."

"I am sorry for how me and my class behaved. . . . I learned a lot from you. I think I know what I'm going to do when I grow up! Be a columnist. I would write real funny columns. Thank you for helping me to decide something to do after school and summer break. Sincerely, Susan."

"I'm so sorry for the way I acted when you came to speak. . . . I didn't respect you. I wish to regain your respect. Please come again. From, Garrett."

"I am very sorry about my classmates and me, but we were excited to meet a reporter. I wish we could have another chance. Sincerely, Rebecca."

That's OK. Everybody has a bad day.