Then the sun peeked out from behind the clouds.

I have been in a dark place for a few days. And even when something good happens, i.e. a hottie wants to meet me, I freak and think of everything that will be wrong when we meet, which all, in my mind, leads to yet another rejection for me.

The "fat ass" comment has rocked my world. I gave Mark the cold shoulder at work, and he didn't care that I was upset. He chuckled about it some more. I wrote a scathing e-mail to him a few hours ago, explaining that it was cruel comment and since I always try to build up his self-esteem, it made it ten times worse to hear.

He has yet to respond. Which, of course, makes it worse, although I am not surprised he hasn't replied.

So, when one of my students, who has had some difficulty in her home life as of late had an emotional breakdown talking to the counselor today, I felt foolish for my behavior, (although I refuse to apologize on this one.)

And when the same student came to talk to me because I am the only one who makes her laugh, according to her, I felt like a hero.

I am entitled to bad days. I have the right to get angry when a friend whom I trust hurts me. I am entitled to stay angry when the friend acts like it is no big deal or doesn't care about my feelings. And since I am only human, there will be days I over react and let other issues cloud my judgment.

But here is the bottom line; My students need me. I can change their day, their perspective, their life, their world. It is an awesome power, and one that often overwhelms me.

Today, a student's casual smile, a sign that things will be fine, almost had me in tears. It reminded me of what is important. It made me see that while I am powerless about what others say to me, I am quite powerful in how I can make others feel. I may falter from time-to-time, but rest assured--I am using that power (most days) for good and not for evil.