Tell me a soft memory
I didn’t think a typical transaction would take such a turn for my life. “Have a good day,” I said, my usual, every day wish.
“Have an easier day,” he said. “You wanna know why I say that instead of have a good day?”
There was no one else in line. It was a slow evening, and the man had been so kind as I helped him get his dog food, I didn’t think much of it. “Sure,” I said.
“Because you can’t make someone have a good day. But you can always make your day a little easier. Put off that one chore. Don’t be the person who rushes to do all the heavy lifting. Ask for help. You can always make your day a little easier.” And he tilted his head, as if to tip his hat, and headed out the door.
I started saying that at work instead. “Have an easier day.”
Customers smiled more, surprised by this verbiage.
I took his advice. I started making easier days.
I asked for help when my depression started to get more severe on days that I felt like getting up was worthless. It became an easier day.
I put off getting the mail one day because it was hard to get out of bed, but I was able to shower that night instead.
I started graduate school and my dad got cancer in the midst of the pandemic.
I needed easier days.
My mom and I helped each other.
I told my zoom students to have an easier day.
When my dad beat cancer, and I started teaching in person, while still working towards my MA degree, I would tell that class of 11th graders “Have an easier day.”
One day, my student asked me why I would say that. I told them the story of the big bearded trucker guy who said that to me while lugging a 40lb bag of dog food over his shoulder.
I told them all I ever wanted for everyone was to have an easier day. Because not all days will be easy. But they will get easier. And you can always make your day easier. You can’t make a good day. They’re gifts to be cherished.
I wish I had gotten his name. I wish I could tell him thank you.
He truly did change my life. My days are easier. They’re not always good. But they are easier.
So, thank you, sir. I thank you for making my days easier.




















