Convertibles and Commuter Cars

On the way to the airport in Baltimore at 6 AM this morning I spotted a convertible with Tennessee license plates sailing down the highway. The top down was down, the driver, his hair blowing in the breeze, was sporting a Hawaiian print shirt. I thought to myself that there must be an interesting story to accompany this “obviously not a commuter” person.

What I failed to consider was that every car I passed had the potential for an interesting story. The stories were there,  just harder to notice when contained in the ordinary guise of a commuter car.

At school I have hall duty near the front lobby in the morning. I am one of the first adults in the building to see many of our 7th and 8th graders most days. As I greet them, I look for the convertibles with Hawaiian shirts – no jacket, hat on, chewing gum, pushing, etc. – all the superficial things that are easy to notice and address before they hit the classroom.

But perhaps it is the commuter cars who need my attention more. Those kids, who walk in looking as they do every other day, but hide a story beneath the surface. Those children who may not display their angst, but need my attention perhaps more than those who do.

I’m writing this down with the hope that in August, when all the travelers return, I will remember to notice the commuter cars as well as the convertibles. Everyone has a story.