I had a little bit of writer’s block this week, and it took me a while to think of anything to write. I finally decided that I needed a little bit of help to write something. So on Tuesday, when I went home to vote, I asked my little brother (who is eight) for some positive words of encouragement. I wrote down what he said and after the election, when I was down and trying to come to terms with the new President Elect, I called him again and asked him if there was any piece of happiness he could give me. He was a little upset too, but he told me he would send me something to make me feel better. I never actually got anything, but when I returned home Friday night he gave me his own kind of poem to help me through. He spoke it to me, so it was hard to type as fast as he talked (the kids a motor mouth), but I got the most important parts. I really think in the time we all need something to make us feel a little better, and remind us that not everything is always going to go our way.

So I decided now to share it with you. (Remember he’s eight. Be kind.)

To Lizi,

I don’t want you to be sad,

I know you want to be happy.

But sometimes bad things happen.

And that’s okay.

Sometimes I get a surprise,

And sometimes I don’t.

But even when I’m upset I remember the last gift,

And that’s okay.

Maybe we didn’t win,

But you get what you get and you don’t get upset.

Although sometimes we get upset,

And that’s okay.

I mean, one time I was bad at math.

But now I’m really good at math.

And sometimes I forget that others aren’t that good.

And that’s not really that okay.

But right now I’d like to make you happy.

And I remember you’re the best sister,

You always make me happy and tell me you love me.

So I want to do that now for you.